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Before you prepare your vows and get ready to embark on the journey of marriage, there's an important step you might not have considered yet — premarital screening. While it might not sound as exciting as wedding planning, it is still a sensible decision that you and your partner should consider.
Premarital screening, also known as premarital testing or premarital health checks, typically refers to the medical and genetic tests conducted on couples before they get married. While the practice isn’t exactly common in every culture or region, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider getting a premarital check up with your soon-to-be spouse. When it comes to premarital screening, it's not just a formality; it's an investment in your future. Here are the top three reasons why this thoughtful step can make your journey into marriage even more meaningful:
The journey into marriage often paves the way for dreams of building a family together. Premarital screening plays a crucial role in ensuring that this dream unfolds as smoothly as possible. By undergoing these assessments, you and your partner can gain valuable insights into your genetic compatibility in order to make informed choices about starting a family together1.
Through premarital screening, potential genetic compatibility issues can be identified1,3. It can detect whether either of you carries genetic disorders such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anaemia — all of which are hereditary and will significantly impact the lives of any future children you and your soon-to-be spouse plan to have. This information is invaluable if you plan on starting a family, especially since the severity of certain genetic incompatibilities may even result in pregnancies being unable to be carried to term6.
Knowing your genetic status allows you to fully understand your reproductive options and, if necessary, to seek medical advice on fertility treatments or precautions to ensure a successful family planning journey2. Ultimately, it can prevent the birth of children with severe genetic disorders, a thoughtful and caring step for the well-being of your future family6.
Premarital screening extends beyond the scope of genetics; it encompasses comprehensive health check-ups that offer a holistic view of your well-being and your partner's3. This meticulous examination doesn't just identify existing health conditions; it sets the stage for timely medical interventions if necessary, especially if there is family history of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or even dementia just to name a few2,3.
One crucial aspect is the detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as:
This knowledge isn't meant to instil fear, but rather to promote safety as research has shown that some STIs can cross the placenta and infect the foetus or even pass from the mother to child during labour4,7. Identifying STIs ensures that they are treated promptly, preventing complications that might affect fertility, and offering peace of mind1,4.
Moreover, premarital health check ups can also reveal infectious diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS5. In essence, premarital screening is not about uncovering problems; it's about building a foundation of well-being to protect each other's health6.
Access to your health information via a premarital screening empowers you to make informed decisions and important choices about medical conditions that may potentially arise. In addition to undergoing a premarital check up, you should also discuss the following questions with your partner:
1. My family has a history of (a particular disease or condition), how do you feel about it, knowing that I may potentially also have this condition? How will we deal with it as a couple?
2. Do we have any particular lifestyle habits that we should consider changing before we take the next step together?
3. If we can’t have any children naturally, are you open to fertility treatments or adoption?
While going through a pre-marriage check up may seem like a hassle, in the long run it will help you to better allocate your financial and emotional support for potential medical needs. Some medical issues can take a toll even on the greatest of relationships, hence it’s best to find out what you and your partner will potentially be facing beforehand. Having the knowledge from your pre-marriage health test allows you to thoughtfully plan the timing of significant financial choices such as creating a medical savings account, fortifying your emergency funds, or exploring health insurance in addition to your existing personal insurance plans.
In a nutshell, premarital screening offers numerous advantages for couples preparing to tie the knot. It goes beyond just the romantic aspect of marriage and delves into the practical and critical dimensions of building a life together. By identifying genetic risks and addressing health concerns, premarital screening contributes to the overall well-being of couples and their potential future offspring.
References:
1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355022381_A_Review_of_Importance_of_Premarital_Checkup_and_Counselling_among_Young_Adults
2. https://eclinic.ng/before-you-say-i-do-premarital-medical-screening/
3. https://mypositiveparenting.org/2022/10/26/premarital-screening-for-a-loving-lasting-partnership/
4. https://lotusdiagnostic.com/why-couples-need-sti-testing-pre-marital-health-screening-before-marriage/
5. https://www.medburymedicals.com/pre-wedding-screening-test-5-reasons-to-take-it-before-marriage/
6. https://www.indushealthplus.com/importance-of-premarital-screening.html
7. http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/sexual-transmitted-disease/
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