A medical check-up is essential, not just to find out if your partner has HIV-AIDS, but also to avoid many post-marriage troubles. A simple thing like your blood group could affect your life - a mother with negative blood group and father with positive blood group may have to face complications in conceiving a child as well as childbirth.

It does not indicate your distrust in your partner. In fact, the tests might help you take precautions to avoid certain conditions or even treat minor diseases.

Why A Blood Test?

• Your blood and haemoglobin count are indicators of general health and a strong immune system. Any problems such as anaemia (lack of haemoglobin) can easily be detected and corrected through medication and dietary changes.
• Thalassemia is an inherited form of anaemia caused by faulty haemoglobin. It is hereditary. If one of the parents is Thalassemia minor and other is healthy, there is a good chance of the child being healthy. But if both parents are Thalassemia minor, the child could be Thalassemia major, which is a life threatening condition.
• Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Even if you are fairly certain that your partner has not had sexual relations with somebody else, it is possible to contract STDs through contaminated blood or syringes. Besides HIV-AIDS, you can check for other killer STDs like Hepatitis B. A comprehensive screening test includes HIV screening, HIV spot test, Hepatitis B screening and detection, VDRS test for detecting Syphilis, which is a chronic condition.

You could also opt for blood sugar and cholesterol tests to find out health risks post-marriage, but these are not mandatory.

The Sexual Health Quotient

These tests are not only for sexually active. There are several complications and conditions that could affect your sex life post-marriage.

Vaginal yeast infections or urine infections are curable, but small dampeners in a healthy sexual life. Trouble with the uterus, ovulation complications, erectile dysfunctions and low sperm count are red flags that indicate infertility.

Along with these tests, an open discussion with the gynaecologist about birth control techniques, sex-related fears and fertility doubts is essential for a healthy sex life.

What if I Discover Something Bad?

If these tests reveal curable maladies - like urinary infection or anaemia - there is no need to worry. Even positive-negative blood group match can work, as there are medical solutions for healthy conception.

Even conditions like high cholesterol can be controlled with proper precautions.

In case of serious ailments like breast cancer, Thalassemia, or an incurable STD, it is really up to you and your partner to decide what is best. Just remember, these tests are done to keep you healthy and strengthen your bond.