10 MEDICAL TEST TO CARRY OUT BEFORE GETTING MARRIED

Marriage is a lifetime entanglement, however, before going into this entanglement, you must get clarified in certain medical conditions to avoid every negativity that may result in the course of your marriage. The following are the medical conditions that everyone should be cleared of before saying I do:

GENOTYPE:

This involves the idea of assessing the genetic compatibility of individuals who are getting married often in the context of preventing hereditary diseases or genetic disorders, A good medical practitioner should be consulted by both spouses to run the following :

1. Genetic Screening: Genetic screening can identify carriers of specific genetic disorders. For instance, certain genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, are recessive, meaning both parents must be carriers for the condition to be expressed in their children. Some people use genetic screening to understand the risk of passing these conditions to their offspring.
2. Genetic Compactibility: Couples planning to start a family might undergo genetic counseling to assess their risk of passing on genetic disorders. This involves analyzing their genotypes and family histories to provide information on the likelihood of hereditary conditions.

RHESUS FACTORS

Rhesus factors are related to a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells. The spouses will consult a medical practitioner to run the test for both spouses. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Rhesus Factor (Rh) Basics: The Rhesus factor is one of the proteins that can be present in red blood cells. It is important in blood transfusions and pregnancy. If your blood has this protein, you’re Rh-positive (Rh+); if it doesn’t, you’re Rh-negative (Rh-).
2. Genetics: The Rh factor is inherited from your parents. The gene for the Rh factor has two main alleles: Rh+ (dominant) and Rh- (recessive). If you inherit Rh+ from at least one parent, you’ll be Rh+. If you inherit Rh- from both parents, you’ll be Rh-.
3. Pregnancy and Rh Factor: If an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive baby, there can be complications. The mother’s immune system might produce antibodies against the baby’s Rh-positive red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn. To prevent this, Rh-negative pregnant women are usually given a shot of Rh immunoglobulin (Rho(D) immune globulin) during and after pregnancy.
4. Blood Transfusions: In transfusions, matching Rh factors between donor and recipient is crucial to prevent adverse reactions. An Rh-negative person should receive Rh-negative blood to avoid potential problems.

HIV/AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES SUCH AS HEPATITIS B, SYPHILIS, GONORRHEA ETC

These are diseases that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact, there is a need to go for tests to manage the manageable ones and treat the treatable ones before passing them to your spouse or unborn children. the following are the various diseases and organisms causing them

Bacterial STDs

1. Chlamydia:
   • Cause: Chlamydia trachomatis
   • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can include discharge, burning during urination, and pelvic pain.
   • Treatment: Antibiotics.
2. Gonorrhea:
   • Cause: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
   • Symptoms: Discharge, pain during urination, and, in women, pelvic pain. Can also affect the throat and rectum.
   • Treatment: Antibiotics.
3. Syphilis:
   • Cause: Treponema pallidum
   • Symptoms: Stages include sores (chancre) at infection site, rash, and potentially serious complications affecting organs.
   • Treatment: Antibiotics, usually penicillin.
4. Mycoplasma genitalium:
   • Cause: Mycoplasma genitalium
   • Symptoms: Similar to chlamydia and gonorrhea; may cause urethritis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
   • Treatment: Antibiotics.

Viral STDs

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):
   • Cause: HIV virus
   • Symptoms: Initial flu-like symptoms; if untreated, can progress to AIDS, severely compromising the immune system.
   • Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage the virus and prevent progression to AIDS.
2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
   • Types: HSV-1 (usually oral herpes) and HSV-2 (usually genital herpes)
   • Symptoms: Painful sores or blisters on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Recurring outbreaks are common.
   • Treatment: Antiviral medications to reduce symptoms and transmission.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
   • Types: Many types, some of which cause genital warts (low-risk) and others associated with cancer (high-risk).
   • Symptoms: Warts or asymptomatic. High-risk types can lead to cervical, anal, or other cancers.
   • Treatment: No cure, but warts can be treated, and vaccines are available to prevent some high-risk strains.
4. Hepatitis B and C:
   • Hepatitis B:
     • Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
     • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can include jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Chronic infection can lead to liver disease.
     • Treatment: Antiviral medications; vaccine available for prevention.
   • Hepatitis C:
     • Cause: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
     • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic but can cause liver damage over time.
     • Treatment: Antiviral medications.

Parasitic STDs

1. Trichomoniasis:
   • Cause: Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan parasite)
   • Symptoms: Itching, discharge, and discomfort in the genital area. Often asymptomatic.
   • Treatment: Antibiotics.

Other Notable STDs

1. Bacterial Vaginosis:
   • Cause: Imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, not strictly an STD but can be associated with sexual activity.
   • Symptoms: Abnormal discharge, odor, itching.
   • Treatment: Antibiotics.
2. Pubic Lice (Crabs):
   • Cause: Pthirus pubis (a parasitic insect)
   • Symptoms: Itching in the pubic area.
   • Treatment: Over-the-counter or prescription lice treatments.

FERTILITY TEST

fertility test refers to a series of medical evaluations that assess an individual’s or a couple’s ability to conceive a child. These tests are performed on both men and women, depending on the situation, and can help identify any underlying issues that may be affecting fertility.

For Women:

1. Ovulation Tests: Measures levels of hormones like LH (luteinizing hormone) to confirm whether ovulation is occurring.
2. Ovarian Reserve Testing: Assesses the quantity and quality of eggs by measuring hormone levels such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).
3. Ultrasound: Used to examine the ovaries and uterus, check for any abnormalities, and measure the thickness of the uterine lining.
4. Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray procedure that checks for blockages in the fallopian tubes and assesses the shape of the uterus.
5. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure to inspect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus for issues like endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.

For Men:

1. Semen Analysis: Evaluates the quantity, quality, and motility of sperm. This is one of the most common tests for male fertility.
2. Hormone Testing: Measures levels of testosterone and other hormones that affect sperm production.
3. Scrotal Ultrasound: Checks for issues such as varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) that could be affecting sperm production.
4. Genetic Testing: Identifies potential genetic causes of infertility, such as Y chromosome microdeletions.

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