Why Do You Need Genetic Testing Before Marriage

genetic testing before marriage

A premarital test is a comprehensive health examination of soon-to-be-married couples, which includes genomic, contagious, and communicable ailment screening to eliminate the possibility of disease transmission to each other or their offspring.

Specifically designed for the protection of the individuals and their offspring, these premarital tests can help reduce numerous medical problems that may arise from passing on a hereditary disease to anyone.

It is necessary to understand your genetics before you take on the responsibility of a child. Premarital testing programs should educate potential couples by providing accurate and unbiased information on family backgrounds. Hereditary factors, age, diet, exercise, weight management, and addictions all contribute to the bigger picture.

The best genetic testing assures the spouses-to-be of their fitness for marriage and if they are fit enough to be parents.

Different types of genetic testing

Molecular tests analyze genetic material to detect certain changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. Chromosomal tests examine a person’s entire genome or the chromosomes of one sex only and are used to diagnose chromosomal disorders. 

Gene expression tests look at how the genes function within cells and tissues; this is useful when looking for signs of certain conditions or their causes. 

Biochemical tests analyze a specific biochemical mechanism by which DNA regulates the functioning and proliferation of cells and tissues; they are frequently employed as a supplement to clinical examination.

Discover the health status of both partners

Pre-marital genetic testing will help gauge the positive health status of prospective bride and groom so they can discuss their reproductive goals and make informed decisions regarding medical procedures before they are married. 

Although many couples are against premarital testing, some of them want to get tested before marriage. If the results reveal positive results then it might increase the chances of early detection and treatment for many diseases which will help in saving a lot of money compared to if you got tested after marriage.

For the safety of your children

Pre-marital genetic testing for couples is a simple way to avoid passing on genetic diseases and disorders to their children. This type of testing is done when partners are planning a marriage or pregnancy, because some diseases can only be identified before birth. 

It helps to identify carriers of genetic disorders in order to assess the risk of having children with a severe form of disease.

Safeguard against life-threatening disease

Pre-marital genetic testing is an important step towards a healthy marriage. By obtaining detailed knowledge regarding both the prospective bride and groom’s health, it helps you establish a low risk of many genetic diseases including neonatal mortality and morbidity, premarital HIV/HBV carrier status, and sex-linked disorders like hemophilia.

By detecting the presence of the carrier, couples can adopt necessary precautions prior to conception. It is prudent to safeguard yourself and your partner from these diseases as they can lead to significant morbidity and mortality when transmitted through blood transfusion.

Protection against STD

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are spread by sexual contact and are therefore classified as a type of infectious disease. Failure to diagnose and treat STDs at early-stage results in serious complications and sequelae, including infertility, fetal wastage, ectopic pregnancy, cancer, and death. 

Pre-marital genetic testing for couples is recommended as an effective means of identifying patients with infectious STDs prior to marriage/ cohabitation which may reduce the risk of transmitting diseases from one person to another.

Gretchen Walker
Gretchen is a homemaker by day and writer by night. She takes a keen interest in life as it unfolds around her and spends her free time observing people go about their everyday affairs.