While currently more frowned upon than endorsed, premarital health check – ups are important and have benefits beyond marriage.
So, what is a premarital check – up, anyway, and why is there so much stigma attached to it? Well, a premarital check – up is nothing but a bundle of medical tests for him and her, that include a general health assessment, blood tests to identify non – communicable diseases such as diabetes, thalassemia, STDs, certain genes, etc., a gynaecological examination, a vaginal ultrasound to check the reproductive system, and tests to assess sperm health and rule out erectile dysfunctions. Some packages even check for vaccine efficiency and recommend boosters for one or both partners, if required.
While these may seem like fairly standard tests, some pretty strong opinions can be heard when one of the couple asks for it to be conducted before marriage. Couples or their families suddenly smell mistrust, wondering if their partner feels they are less than or if they will suddenly be replaced, should some anomaly be found in the tests.
Truth be told, however, couples that often call for premarital medical screenings often do so out of genuine concern for the other’s health, looking to know each other’s health profiles or plan around them, rather than replace their partner altogether. It is good, therefore, to remember that the purpose of going for these tests is discovery, not judgement.
Here’s why these tests are all the more important in today’s day and age.
Marriages are built on trust and transparency. The more you know about your partner, the less chances for unexpected surprises later in life.
STDs such as HIV or syphilis often go unnoticed and it is better to have them screened and addressed, so the couple is able to enjoy their life ahead without the fear of transferring anything to their loved ones unintentionally.
Each couple has their future family goals and awareness about inherent genetic conditions or fertility related matters can greatly help them chart out their family planning path, whether through treatments or alternative methods.
Finally, addressing health concerns together can be great for couple bonding, as they learn to support their partners with commitment, mutual care and emotional support.
A number of hospitals in Bangladesh offer premarital health screenings, such as Ibn Sina Trust, Labaid Cancer Hospital, Asghar Ali Hospital, Alliance, etc. As most of these tests come as bundles or packages, it is more cost effective for a couple to avail. The process is discreet and health care providers ensure complete confidentiality.
Premarital health checks are a valuable tool for building a resilient partnership based on awareness and love, contributing, thereby, to a healthier, more honest union. The fact that so many hospitals now offer these tests is testimony to the fact that couples and even their families are perhaps waking up to the fact that health and wellbeing of the duo should take top priority – even before the venue and menu!