Getting married is checking off the biggest milestone in your life and thus you want everything in your wedding to go alright. Weddings are so much work and pressure to do it all right. From choosing the perfect lehenga and matching jewellery to searching for the perfect entry song for you and your partner, from deciding which hairstyle would look best on you to matching steps with your partner during dance choreography, it is too much work.
In India, before marriage, matching the ‘Kundlis’ is another big tradition that is followed. Nowadays couples play games to match their compatibility, but what about health? Along with matching kundlis and compatibility, it is essential to ensure good health of the couple for a happy and fulfilling life together. As you make arrangements for the D-day, get these medical tests done with your partner to know the medical status of you and your partner.
To know which medical tests are important to be taken before marriage, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Pooja Santode, Gynaecologist, Adhikari Lifeline Multispeciality Hospital, Palghar.
Tests Every Couple Should Get Done Before Marriage
Along with knowing the interests and hobbies of your partner, it is essential to know their medical status and let them know yours too. Here are some tests listed by Dr Santode that you and your partner should get done before marriage.
1. Blood Tests For STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases can be asymptomatic at times but have severe health consequences if left untreated. Dr Santode advised that couples who are to marry must get tests like HIV, HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), VDRL (Test to determine syphilis), and HCV (Hepatitis C) tests done. She said, “These tests are essential to ensure the early detection and treatment of these infections to prevent their transmission within families.” Pap smear test for determining HPV is another important test that females should get done before marriage.
2. Genetic Tests
Genetic tests can help identify any potential genetic disorders or diseases that either partner may carry. Dr Santode said, “Genetic tests for hereditary disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia enable informed decision-making regarding family planning, reducing the risk of passing on these genetic conditions to the children.”
3. Blood Group and Rh Factor Compatibility
As per Dr Santode, it is significant to know each other’s blood group and Rh factor, especially if you are planning to have kids in the future. Incompatibility in blood groups or Rh factor can lead to complications during pregnancy, thus it is important to discuss these results with a healthcare provider.
Also read: Women In Their 30s: Here Are Some Tests That Women Should Not Overlook
4. Screening For Chronic Disorders In Family
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, heart problems and so on, may run in families. Screening for these disorders is essential for the couple to take appropriate precautions to not pass on these conditions to their children.
Apart from the above mentioned tests, assessing mental health along with other tests contributes to the holistic approach of these premarital tests. Concluding Dr Santode said, “By providing couples with valuable insights into their health status and potential risks, accompanied by counselling and support services, this initiative aims to foster healthier families and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.”