Couples who are preparing to wed often get caught up in the frenzy of their marriage planning and forget that a marriage is actually for life. Hence, it is very important to know and understand the health status of each marriage partner before the marriage. Some may question the need to do such a test at that juncture as it may be too late to call off a marriage. However, on a positive note, it helps both parties to understand the potential health problems the other might have and whether it would affect their decision to start a family. Find out why you should do a pre-marital medical screening or pre-marital blood test below.
Compulsory for Muslims
HIV pre-marital tests have been made compulsory for Muslims couples wishing to wed next year and onwards.
However, Wan Mohamad (Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz) said those found to have been infected with the AIDS would still be allowed to continue with the marriage if both partners wanted to go ahead.
“The HIV test will be offered to Muslims free of charge,” he told Berita Harian. (source)
This is an important test as it helps identify if one party is carrying the HIV virus which has the potential to infect the other spouse and future children. It is a test recommended for non-Muslims as well and is often done as part of the overall pre-marital blood test.
Identify Hereditary Disorders
A person may look healthy from the outside but it may be impossible to see if they are carrying any hereditary disorders. Sometimes, these disorders lie in recessive genes and appear only in the next or subsequent generation. Important blood disorders such as thalassaemia which can potentially be life-threatening to the couples’ offspring can be easily identified from a blood test. From the results, the couple can then decide if they wish to have children in the future, taking into account all risks.
Identify Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sometimes couples may not be marrying their first love. In today’s age, people often have several relationships in the quest for “The One” which may result in more intimate relationships. Hence, it is good to know early if your partner has any STDs such as syphillis or gonorrhea which could have been picked up from a previous partner as these STDs are contagious and can easily infect the other spouse.
Preparation for Children
Pre-marital tests are recommended for couples, especially women, who are planning to start a family soon after marriage. These tests will screen the woman for rubella, anemia and Hepatitis B, among others to determine if she is healthy and does not have any diseases that could affect her or a baby’s health while she is pregnant.
Pre-marital health screening is not something often discussed. Nevertheless, it is an important test to take before you decide to get married. Health is increasingly becoming more important in this polluted and stressful world we live in. Hence, find out early if your partner is healthy and if you both can have a healthy family together.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 0 comments… add one now }