Unnao ditches 'Kundli' for HIV report: Here are 4 medical tests you should take before marriage!

A few weeks ago, Unnao was in the news when around 50 people from the town were found to be infected with HIV, thanks to the local quack who used infected syringe. This shocking incident has prompted another development in the town where people have been demanding ‘No HIV’ certificates for matrimonial match making. Although the recent HIV contagion has prompted this move on the part of the town people, it’s an encouraging development, considering that previously horoscopes or kundlis were given priority over medical (or personal) compatibility in India. As important as it is to screen for HIV, here are some other important tests every man and woman should take up before they get married. The results of the tests can empower couples decide whether the alliance should be pursued in the first place.

The STD test

Screening of STDs or sexually transmitted diseases is a must before marriage to prevent the spread of diseases such as syphilis, herpes, hepatitis C, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV infections. STDs can either be life threatening like HIV or be lifelong like herpes, hepatitis C, etc. Due to the embarrassing nature of these diseases, partners keep their spouses in the dark about these health conditions. Since these diseases are spread through sexual contact, the infected partner can pass on their infection to their spouses. Some diseases are also passed on to the child during birthing. Usually, the blood, saliva and urine are tested to check for STD infections.

Test for genetically transmitted diseases

Some diseases like sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and certain cancers can be genetically inherited. That’s why, it’s important for the man and woman to get themselves screened before marriage to prevent the chances of the future generations contracting these diseases. The test will look for certain dominant genetic markers in your blood that can be inherited by your child. Consult your doctor who would recommend the right testing centre for you.

Blood grouping tests

If the stars don’t match no problem! The blood group better do. The Rh factor is a protein on the surface of the blood. Majority of the population has a positive blood type, but a small section has negative type. If the protein is present, the blood group is positive. If not, it’s negative. Spouses should be aware of their blood group type because the negative blood group factor can impact the mother and baby during the time of pregnancy. This can lead to deadly complications.

Fertility tests

Premarital testing of the partner’s fertility will help prevent a lot of problems that may crop up between the couples in the future with regards to begetting children. Although most young people may not require this test, older women who face irregular menstrual cycles should test their reproductive hormones, FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH and AMH. Underlying problems such as PCOD in women may also cause fertility issues.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 26, 2018 02:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).