Important health tests for bride, groom before marriage

Getting an idea about one’s own health in advance is also important along with various arrangements starting from clothes and make-up in the preparation list of the bride and groom before marriage. Doing some necessary health tests before marriage can make it easier to detect unknown diseases, know about the risk of infection and take necessary decisions in future family planning.

The blood groups of both can be known before marriage. Alongside a general blood test can be done as per the doctor’s advice to understand whether there is anaemia or any other abnormality. In the case of those who have a family history of thalassaemia or any other hereditary blood disease, doing special tests as needed is important.

If there is a risk of hereditary disease the matter of genetic testing can also be discussed with the doctor. If there is a history of thalassaemia, sickle cell disease or any other hereditary disease among family members, tests and advice before marriage can give an idea about the possible risk for future children.

The matter of infectious diseases should also not be ignored. Tests for infections like HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis can be done as needed. If someone’s infection is detected, quick treatment can be taken and necessary measures can be taken for the protection of the partner. However all types of tests are not mandatory for everyone; selecting tests according to personal risk and doctor’s advice is logical.

It is also good to be aware about reproductive health before marriage. However it is not that every man and woman needs to do regular ‘fertility test’ before marriage. If there is a plan to have children, age, any previous problem or medical history, necessary tests can be done on the doctor’s advice. If problem appears in conceiving a child then it is important for both the woman and the man to take the doctor’s advice.

If there is a risk of thyroid problem, diabetes or any other long-term disease those tests can also be done as needed. If there is a history of these diseases in the family or any symptom, taking the doctor’s advice before marriage is particularly beneficial.

The same applies in the case of bone density test. Bone density test of everyone before marriage is generally not needed for young and healthy people. However if there is a history of bone disease, abnormal fragility or any other risk the doctor can give the test as needed. In the case of vitamin D test also the person’s symptoms and risk should be considered.

Health test before marriage does not mean only looking for disease; rather taking conscious decisions about the health of both, future children and family life. Therefore open discussion by both the bride and groom about the necessary tests and taking the doctor’s advice according to personal history is the most important.