Medical tests to do before getting married

VICTOR TALKSHEALTH

Premarital screening helps spot inherited risks, infections, fertility chances and health issues before starting a family. Most panels cover blood type, genetics common in your region, and transmissible infections.
I will give a complimentary detail for women, men and the tests the couple will do together.

Tests for Women to do before getting Married
1. Pelvic scan (usually transvaginal ultrasound)– wand in the vagina gives high-res view of uterus, endometrium, ovaries. Checks fibroids (size/location impact implantation), polyps, congenital anomalies (septate uterus → hysteroscopic correction), ovarian cysts (endometrioma vs functional), and antral follicle count (backup reserve data). Best day 2–5 of cycle for baseline anatomy; saline-infused sonohysterography if cavity detail is needed.

2. Hormonal profile (day-3 panel) – FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, TSH (+ free T4 if TSH off). FSH reflects pituitary push to recruit follicles—high means ovary less responsive; LH/FSH ratio >2 suggests PCOS; estradiol should be low day 3 (<80 pg/mL) otherwise FSH interpretation muddied. Prolactin high → anovulation; TSH >2.5 pre-conception → levothyroxine; these are treatable causes of infertility.

3. HSG (hysterosalpingography) – X-ray with iodinated dye injected through cervix; films show uterine cavity contour and condition of both fallopian tubes. Spill = patent; no spill = occlusion (hydrosalpinx or adhesions) → IVF likely required. Also, it informs the risk of ectopic. Doxycycline pre-med prevents infection; schedule the follicular phase (day 7–10) when no pregnancy. Discomfort like a bad cramp; brief.

4. AMH test – this test helps to check number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Reflects a pool of small growing follicles. <1 ng/mL = low reserve, urgency or IVF counseling; >3.5 = good, but >5 may mean PCOS (watch for over-response). Stable across cycle; combined with AFC for ovarian response prediction. Doesn’t test egg quality—age does.

5. HVS (high vaginal swab) – cotton swab from top of vagina cultured for bacterial vaginosis, Candida, Trichomonas, and Gonorrhea/Chlamydia (NAAT). BV correlated with pre-term birth, PID; treat with metronidazole. Candida causes discharge/itch, treat topically; STI positivity requires partner treatment to avoid tubal damage. Part of pre-conception infection clearance.

Tests for men to do before getting Married
Semen test: lab checks how much fluid, how many sperm, how well they swim, and their shape. Do it twice because counts vary. If bad, repeat after 3 months; fixes include quitting smoking, losing weight, or surgery. Very low or zero may need IVF.

Hormone blood test: blood check for FSH/LH (pituitary signals), testosterone (male hormone), prolactin, thyroid. High FSH with small testicles = sperm factory failing; low LH/FSH = brain not sending signals—can be treated with meds to make sperm; high prolactin or thyroid problems also fixable. The hormones plus exam tell the doctor if pills can help or if you need IVF.

Tests both partners need to do before getting married
1. HIV Test – blood test for virus; if one partner positive, treatment makes viral load undetectable so it won’t transmit to the other or baby; couples can conceive safely (PrEP/ART and timing intercourse). Without treatment risk sexual transmission and mother-to-child.

2. Hepatitis B & C – Hep B surface antigen means active infection; if pregnant mom positive, baby gets vaccine + immune globulin at birth. Treatment lowers risk. Hep C antibody then RNA; cure with pills before pregnancy. Prevents liver disease and baby infection.

3. STIs – chlamydia/gonorrhea/trichomonas by urine or swab; silent infections scar tubes and epididymis → infertility; treat both partners before trying.

4. Genotype + blood group – genotype (AA, AS, SS): AS×AS = 25% SS child, so counseling needed; blood group ABO rarely harms baby but worth knowing.

5. Rh compatibility – if mom Rh-negative and dad Rh-positive, baby can be Rh-positive; mom’s immune system can attack next baby’s blood → miscarriage/anemia; prevent by RhIg shots at 28 weeks and after birth. Knowing early avoids that surprise.

In conclusion, these tests are important, ranging from checking fertility chances and risks for certain infections so ensure you do them.

Victor Aniogbu (Victor TalksHealth) is a Human Anatomist and Wellness Advocate.
He wrote in from Owerri.
For feedback, email– victortalkshealth11@gmail.com

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