When you vow to be together ‘in sickness and in health’

One important reason to undergo premarital health screening is to check if either of you are carrying genes that may cause your future children to have a genetic disease. — Positive Parenting

The courtship has finally culminated in this momentous occasion.

Both of you have decided that marriage is the natural progression to your relationship, and you are willing and ready to proceed.

However, among the many considerations that need to be made prior to marriage is premarital health screening.

This health check-up is extremely important to better equip the couple for the future they will forge together.

It may include various clinical tests that serve the purpose of checking one’s current and potential health problems.

Premarital testing is important as it may forewarn couples of potential problems if they decide to have children in the future.

For example, the early detection of hereditary (genetic) disorders can provide couples with important information to make informed decisions on preventing such conditions.

It helps you understand the health condition of your partner (e.g. sexual health, blood type, blood pressure, cholesterol level, etc), which then makes it easier for both of you to take better care of each other.

In Malaysia, there is currently one required premarital test for Muslim couples, which is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test.

These couples are required to officially submit their HIV test results prior to getting married.

Although it is only required for Muslims, HIV testing before marriage is recommended for everyone, regardless of religion.

While there are no set “recommended” premarital tests, the following are commonly included in premarital screening packages:

• General tests: To provide basic general health information, such as blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index (BMI).
• Blood screening: To examine overall health, screening for blood disorders (e.g. thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, etc) and blood type testing (ABO and Rhesus tests).
• Hepatitis screening: To determine whether your partner has hepatitis B or C, which can both be transmitted sexually.
• Sexual health screening: To check for the presence of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs).

If any test results are of concern, your healthcare practitioner will explain and advise you accordingly.

The next step is to share the results with your partner, so that you both understand each other’s health situations.

A marriage is not just about love; it’s also about taking care of each other for life.

Premarital screening equips you with the knowledge to better take care of your partner and your future family.

Dr H. Krishna Kumar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia past president. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.