Marriage is often associated with love, commitment, wedding preparations and plans for the future. But beyond choosing a venue, buying clothes and preparing for married life, couples can also take an important step by discussing their health and considering medical screening before marriage.
In Zambia, where marriage and starting a family are important milestones for many couples, premarital health checks can help partners understand their health status, identify certain medical conditions early and make informed decisions about their future together.
Health professionals may recommend different tests depending on a couple’s medical history, lifestyle, family history and plans to have children. There is no single set of tests that every couple must undergo, but the following 10 are worth discussing with a qualified healthcare provider.
1. HIV test
HIV testing is an important part of sexual health screening before marriage. It allows both partners to know their HIV status and discuss prevention, treatment and protecting each other’s health.
If one partner tests positive, effective antiretroviral treatment can help them live a long and healthy life. With appropriate treatment and sustained viral suppression, HIV is not sexually transmitted. Couples can also receive guidance on prevention options, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), where appropriate.
Testing should be voluntary, confidential and free from pressure. Couples should receive accurate counselling and support rather than treating a test result as a reason for stigma or discrimination. The World Health Organization provides guidance on HIV testing and prevention.
2. Sickle cell and haemoglobinopathy screening
Sickle cell screening is particularly relevant for couples planning to have children. A person may carry the sickle cell trait without experiencing the symptoms associated with sickle cell disease.
A blood test, often involving haemoglobin analysis, can help identify whether someone has sickle cell disease or carries a relevant haemoglobin variant.
If both partners carry the sickle cell trait, each pregnancy can have a 25 per cent chance of resulting in a child with sickle cell disease, a 50 per cent chance of a child carrying the trait and a 25 per cent chance of a child inheriting neither variant, assuming both partners have the usual HbAS trait.
a href=”https://reffpa.com/L?tag=d_261751m_19547c_&site=261751&ad=19547″>You could be the next winner of K20,000 sign up here
Other haemoglobin variants can create different inheritance risks, so the results should be interpreted by a qualified professional.
Where a risk is identified, genetic counselling can help couples understand their options without unnecessary fear or stigma. The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa identifies screening before marriage or pregnancy as an opportunity to inform couples about inherited blood disorders.
3. Syphilis test
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can sometimes remain unnoticed because its symptoms may be mild or disappear even when the infection has not been cured.
Testing can help identify an infection so that appropriate treatment can be provided. Untreated syphilis can cause serious health complications and can also affect a pregnancy.
If a test is positive, a healthcare professional can arrange confirmatory assessment where needed, treatment and advice about partner testing. Couples should follow medical guidance on when it is safe to resume sexual activity.
A syphilis test is particularly worth discussing as part of sexual health screening and pregnancy planning.
4. Hepatitis B screening
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Some people may carry the virus for years without knowing it, and infection can be transmitted through infected blood and certain body fluids, including during sexual contact.
Screening can help establish whether someone has a current infection. Depending on the tests used, further blood tests may be needed to distinguish current infection, previous infection and immunity.
Couples can also ask a healthcare provider whether they are protected through vaccination. If a partner has hepatitis B, the other partner can receive advice about vaccination and other preventive measures.
Identifying hepatitis B before pregnancy can also help healthcare professionals plan appropriate care to reduce the risk of transmission to a baby.
5. Hepatitis C test
Hepatitis C is another viral infection that can cause liver damage, particularly when it remains untreated over many years.
It is mainly transmitted through exposure to infected blood. Sexual transmission is possible, although the risk varies depending on the circumstances.
A healthcare provider may recommend hepatitis C screening based on medical history, previous blood exposure, other risk factors or local guidance. An initial antibody test may be followed by a test for the virus itself if the result is reactive.
Knowing one’s status can help a person access appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of complications. Hepatitis C is curable in many cases with modern antiviral medicines.
6. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia tests
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections that may cause few or no symptoms, particularly in women.
When left untreated, either infection can lead to complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems. They can also affect pregnancy and newborn health.
Testing may involve a urine sample or a swab, depending on the person and the testing service. A healthcare provider can recommend screening based on symptoms, age, sexual history and individual risk.
If an infection is diagnosed, both partners may need assessment and treatment according to medical advice. This can help prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications.
Couples should understand that the presence of an infection does not automatically establish when it was acquired. Results should be discussed confidentially and handled without assumptions or accusations.
7. Full blood count to check for anaemia
A full blood count, also known as a complete blood count, measures several components of the blood, including haemoglobin and red blood cells.
It can help identify anaemia, which may cause tiredness, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance. Some people, however, have no obvious symptoms.
Anaemia can have different causes, including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, blood loss and certain inherited conditions. A full blood count may indicate that further investigation is needed, but it does not establish the cause in every case.
The test can be especially useful when planning a pregnancy because anaemia may need to be assessed and treated before conception.
Not everyone needs extensive blood testing before marriage, so couples should ask a healthcare professional whether a full blood count is appropriate for their circumstances.
8. Blood group and Rhesus factor test
Knowing your blood group and Rhesus, or Rh, status can be useful when planning a pregnancy.
The Rh factor is a protein that may be present on red blood cells. If a pregnant woman is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, there can be a risk of Rh sensitisation, which may affect the current or a future pregnancy.
This does not mean that an Rh-negative person cannot have a healthy pregnancy. Antenatal care can identify the situation and healthcare professionals can provide preventive treatment when indicated.
A blood group test can establish the ABO group and Rh status. It is particularly relevant during pregnancy planning and antenatal care, rather than being a universal requirement simply because two people intend to marry.
9. Blood sugar test for diabetes
Diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms, so a person may have elevated blood sugar without realising it.
Depending on a person’s age, weight, medical history and other risk factors, a healthcare provider may recommend a blood glucose test or an HbA1c test to assess blood sugar levels.
Identifying diabetes early can help people receive appropriate advice and treatment to reduce the risk of complications. It is also relevant to pregnancy planning because poorly controlled diabetes can increase risks for both the pregnant person and the baby.
A test result should be interpreted in context, and an abnormal screening result may require further testing before a diagnosis is confirmed.
Couples do not need to assume that everyone requires diabetes screening solely because they are getting married. The decision should be based on individual health needs and clinical guidance.
10. Rubella immunity and vaccination review
Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is usually a mild illness in many people. However, infection during pregnancy can cause serious harm to a developing baby.
Before trying to conceive, a woman can ask a healthcare provider whether her vaccination history or a blood test indicates immunity to rubella.
If she is not immune, a healthcare professional can advise whether vaccination is appropriate and how long to wait before attempting pregnancy. The rubella vaccine is not given during pregnancy.
This is a useful example of why premarital health discussions should include plans for children, not just tests for infections. Reviewing vaccination status can help couples prepare for a healthier pregnancy.
Are these 10 tests compulsory before marriage in Zambia?
These tests should not be presented as a universal legal requirement for every couple intending to marry. Medical recommendations depend on individual circumstances, and the appropriate tests should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Some checks may be more relevant to sexual health, others to inherited conditions, and others to planning a safe pregnancy. Couples should also discuss existing medical conditions, prescribed medicines, family health history, mental wellbeing and any concerns about fertility.
It is important to remember that a health screening result does not determine a person’s worth or whether they deserve love and marriage. A positive result does not always mean a condition is untreatable, and a negative result does not guarantee that someone has no health problems. Some infections may also require repeat testing depending on the timing of exposure.
Above all, medical screening should be based on informed consent, confidentiality, honesty and mutual respect. Neither partner should be forced to undergo a test or have private medical information disclosed without permission, except where applicable law provides otherwise.
The bottom line
Getting married is a major life decision, and talking openly about health can be part of preparing for it. HIV and other STI screening, sickle cell screening where relevant, and checks linked to general health and future pregnancy plans can help couples make informed decisions together.
Rather than approaching the process with fear or suspicion, couples can treat it as an opportunity to build trust, understand each other’s needs and seek professional advice before beginning married life.
Looking for the latest sports odds and markets? Check them out here.
