Essential Pre-Marital Health Checkup: What You Need to Know

Pre-marital health checkup

Dr.
Lin: Hello, I would like to inquire if Tainan Hospital offers premarital health check-ups.
Could you please provide me with the costs, duration of the examination, the items included in the check-up, and any precautions to take before the examination? Do both individuals need to attend the check-up together? Please make sure to reply.
Thank you...
ANGELA 5/8

angela, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/05/08

Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine

The Department of Health's Family Medicine Physician replies: 1.
Our clinic is open for registration at the service desk for examinations from Monday to Friday, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
2.
Examination fee: NT$1728 (items can be added or removed).
3.
Examination items include urine tests, blood tests, serum tests, syphilis screening, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody tests, hepatitis B virus tests, chest X-rays, etc.
(see attachment).
4.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please inform the radiology staff and healthcare personnel before the examination.
5.
It is preferable for two people to come for the examination at the same time.
6.
For more details, please contact the Family Medicine Department at 06-2200055 ext.
3015.

Reply Date: 2002/05/08

More Info

Dear Angela,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding essential pre-marital health checkups. It's great to see that you are taking proactive steps to ensure a healthy future for you and your partner. Pre-marital health checkups are crucial, especially for couples planning to conceive, as they can help identify any potential health issues that may affect fertility or the health of future children.

Essential Components of a Pre-Marital Health Checkup
1. Basic Health Assessments:
- Blood Tests: These typically include a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, blood type, and Rh factor. It's also important to test for infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis (VDRL).

- Urinalysis: This helps identify any urinary tract infections or kidney issues.

- Blood Sugar Levels: Screening for diabetes is essential, especially if there is a family history.

2. Genetic Screening:
- Given that you mentioned both you and your partner are of advanced maternal age, it may be beneficial to undergo genetic carrier screening. This can help identify any genetic disorders that could be passed on to your children.

3. Immunization Status:
- Check for immunity to rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox). If you are not immune, vaccinations may be recommended before pregnancy.

4. Family Medical History:
- A thorough review of both partners' family medical histories is crucial to identify any hereditary conditions that could affect your future children.

5. Additional Tests:
- Depending on your personal and family health history, additional tests such as a thyroid function test or cholesterol levels may be warranted.

Timing and Costs
The timing for these checkups can vary, but it is advisable to complete them at least a few months before your wedding. This allows time to address any health issues that may arise. As for costs, they can vary widely depending on the healthcare facility and the specific tests conducted. It’s best to contact your local hospital or clinic directly for detailed pricing.

Important Considerations Before the Checkup
1. Fasting: If blood tests are required, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours prior to the appointment. This is particularly important for tests measuring blood sugar and lipid levels.

2. Medication: If you are taking any medications, inform your healthcare provider beforehand, as some may need to be paused before testing.

3. Joint Attendance: It is highly recommended that both partners attend the checkup together. This not only ensures that both individuals are assessed but also allows for open discussions about health concerns and family planning.

Conclusion
In summary, a pre-marital health checkup is an essential step for couples planning to conceive. It helps identify potential health issues, ensures both partners are in good health, and prepares you for a healthy pregnancy. I encourage you to reach out to your local healthcare provider for specific details regarding the tests, costs, and scheduling.

Wishing you both health and happiness as you embark on this new chapter in your lives!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Essential Pre-Marital Health Check: Timing, Focus Areas, and Coverage

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask when would be the most appropriate time to undergo a premarital health check-up as my wedding date approaches. Additionally, what key areas should be focused on during the examination? Also, is the premarital health check-up covered by health in...

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Pre-marital health check-ups are self-paid services, and many hospitals offer this type of examination. The hospital I work at also provides this self-paid check-up. The examination includes tests for German measles, syphilis, hepatitis B antigens and antibodies, HIV, comp...

Essential Pre-Marital Health Checks for Couples Planning Pregnancy

Hello, Dr. Tsai. I got married this April and plan to conceive after the end of the year. Since my husband is 41 years old and I am considered a geriatric pregnancy, we did not undergo health checks before marriage. Although both of our companies conduct annual health examination...

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Rachel, Regarding your inquiry, the standard premarital examinations include: A: Tests for both parties: 1. Blood glucose test 2. Urinalysis (primarily to check for proteinuria, hematuria, and other issues) 3. Complete blood count (to check for anemia, especially the p...

Do We Need Pre-Marital Health Checks? Understanding the Importance

Hello, my girlfriend and I are currently in a relationship and are of marriageable age, but we are hesitant to deepen our relationship due to sharing the same surname. Perhaps a premarital health check could resolve everything, but given our current stage, it seems too early to u...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
Pre-marital health check-ups primarily focus on screening for sexually transmitted diseases and hereditary conditions, such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, thalassemia, and family history assessments for genetic disorders. Sharing the same surname does not necessarily...

Essential Preconception Health Checkups for Future Parents

Hello, doctor: I would like to inquire about the "preconception health checkup." What are the "essential" items that need to be included? Most hospitals offer "pre-marital checkups," which do not meet my needs, and I am not a medical professional mys...

Dr. Zhang Yongxuan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The items you listed are almost all included, such as gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and chest X-ray. However, semen analysis is not part of the tests. Generally, infertility evaluations are more necessary after one year of marriage. It is certainly advisable to conduct tests if needed....