Since prevention is the best cure, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr Farzana Deeba from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, recommends taking mandatory tests before exchanging wedding vows.
Hepatitis B
This is an infection of the liver, and if not treated can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer and even death. The Hepatitis B test shall reveal whether one has an active hepatitis B infection. It can show whether you are contagious, especially since hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The associate professor Deeba, recommends taking the test before getting married so the husband does not pass it to the wife or vice versa.
Hepatitis C
Rarely recommended by doctors, this test should also be done by couples. Similar to Hepatitis B, this also affects the liver and is an STD hence it is safer to rule it out before engaging in any sexual activities.
HIV
Dr Deeba emphasises on the difference between HIV and AIDS. The former is the virus affecting the carrier and the latter is the disease showing the symptoms. Someone carrying HIV might not be symptomatic, so she advises that couples should get a blood test done to ensure that one does not pass it to the other after marriage.
Thalassemia
Thalassemia comes in two forms, major and minor. In the minor form, one of the couple is a carrier of the disease which leads to their child becoming a carrier too (known as thalassemia minor). However, in the major form where both the parents are carriers, the child is more prone to anemia and even early death.
Blood Sugar
If couples are diabetic, they should get their blood sugar level tested beforehand so their medicines can be adjusted before getting married. In some cases, it is preferable to take insulin through injection rather than taking oral medication, more so in the future given that the diabetic wife is pregnant. When both the husband and wife are diabetic, chances of their future offspring being so is higher. If they are not, this is a good time to get tested so they can ensure their level is fine.
Semen Analysis
This test helps with the evaluation of male fertility and can be done if one or both the couple is interested due to any personal reason. It is not mandatory, nor is it a ruling factor in testing fertility of the couple, since they need to be sexually active for at least a year before seeking treatment for conception.