Love is beautiful. Getting ready to spend the rest of your life with the love of your life is an exciting experience. The excitement of picking the ring, dress, suit, and venue often comes with nosy extended family members and long hours trying to make choices for aso ebi colours, flower arrangements, and various vendors.
Amidst all of these, you might forget some things, but the one thing you should not forget to get done are medical tests to get your health and that of your partner assessed
Why is this important?
Since you will both be starting a family together, it is also important for your significant other to have crucial information on your sexual and reproductive health as well as other aspects of your health. This will help you make informed decisions about your life together and will come in handy in case of a medical emergency.
Medical tests every intending couple should take
If you are considering walking down the aisle, here are five absolutely necessary medical tests for couples.
Genotype test
Genotype is an individual’s genetic constitution, which determines the individual’s observable traits. Testing for genotype is one of the most important medical tests before marriage for couples who intend to have children biologically. This test will help you know whether you or your partner carry the sickle cell trait or whether the trait is entirely absent. Partners who are both carriers of the trait (AS or SS) stand the risk of giving birth to a child or children with sickle cell disease.
Blood group
Testing for blood groups, especially Rhesus factor compatibility, is essential for couples wanting children. If a woman with Rhesus negative blood group marries a man with Rhesus positive blood group, there is a higher risk of Rhesus factor incompatibility during pregnancy. This incompatibility can cause severe complications like fluid build-up in the child, seizures, and even brain damage.
STD tests
You are getting married, and sex comes with that mix. You should check your partner’s sexual health status and be aware of yours too. Gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections should be tested before your big day. If all the STD checks come out negative, you have nothing to worry about. If not, then you will be able to decide how you would like to move forward with your plans. There are available treatment options, and you can educate yourself on protective measures to take.
Fertility tests
For couples who desire to have children naturally, a fertility test is essential for assessing each partner’s reproductive health. Tests may include semen analysis to check the potency of sperm, ovulation testing, hormone checks, and ultrasound scans to assess the condition of the reproductive organs of both partners. Infertility is usually a source of emotional distress in marriages, and that is why it is important to carry out these tests and begin treatment, if necessary, as soon as possible.
Test for chronic conditions
Chronic illnesses in a partner can put a strain on a marriage, so it’s always good to have all the information and know exactly what you are getting into. Chronic illnesses like liver disease, heart disease, renal disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes should be tested before marriage to prepare the partner to cope, care for the affected party or help them make a decision should any of the tests come out positive.
It is better to be safe and avoid complications in the future. Carrying out these medical tests before marriage will give you important information about your partner and boost your confidence while helping you prepare for your future together.