Knowing your health status can help you prepare for the new chapter of your life, says a MakatiMed specialist
So, he got down on one knee, surprised you with a ring, popped the question, and you said yes—congratulations! Now, what is the first thing on your wedding to-do list? Maybe it is securing a church or reception area, scheduling an appointment with an in-demand bridal gown designer, or booking the hair and makeup artists who will form the glam squad of your dreams.
Amid all the wedding preparations, the last thing on your mind surely is getting a medical checkup. Apart from all the tasks on your list, you’re also still at the prime of your youth, or maybe you have put it on the back burner and promised to make that doctor’s appointment once you are officially husband and wife.
But there is good reason why these tests should be given as much priority as the wedding itself. “When you get married, you no longer think about just yourself. You think about the health and wellbeing of your soon-to-be spouse and future children as well,” says Genebee Puzon, MD from the HealthHub of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Once you have a clearer picture of your health status, as an individual and as a couple, you and your partner can better plan your lives together, well prepared and properly armed for what married life has to offer, especially if you intend to have children in the future.”
These medical tests can guide couples to better navigate the next chapter of their lives and health:
General health and family history. “Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer screenings, and other pre-existing health conditions can be detected through routine blood tests and medical examinations,” Dr. Puzon points out. The sooner you know the current status of your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, the earlier you can address them with medications and lifestyle changes like making time for regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, she adds. “Maintaining healthy values of these diagnostic tests and appropriate follow up ensures quality living that hopefully extends for years to come.”
HIV and STD tests. Whether you and your betrothed had previous sexual relationships or not, it’s best practice to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, the doctor stresses. “Of course, you would want to avoid the risk of transmitting STDs to your partner, and having one could affect your fertility and the health of any future children, too,” she states. Some of these infections can also be asymptomatic, so being proactive about getting HIV and STD tests can help doctors detect and treat them early.
Fertility tests. “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a carriage” as the lyrics to an old song go. Sadly, that’s not the case for many couples who struggle for years to conceive. A seminal analysis, pelvic ultrasound scan, and other types of fertility tests offer an honest picture of the state of your reproductive organs. “When you get the results, you and your partner can plan ahead and turn to necessary referral and treatments to overcome potential challenges once you decide to start a family,” the doctor explains.
Mental health exam. Now more than ever, more and more people have a better grasp of how one’s mental health can affect different aspects of their life, including relationships. “You have to understand that some mental health conditions can lead to domestic violence and even be passed on to your children, so it is important for you and your future spouse to get a psychological test to know the complete picture before tying the knot,” Dr. Puzon underscores.
Mental health exams can help determine conditions like schizophrenia, depression, mood disorders, mania, and other behavioral and personality disorders. “If you or your partner is diagnosed with a potential mental health condition, do know that there are experts who can guide you in navigating the situation effectively, so both of you can move forward with your plans in the healthiest way possible,”she adds.
While it’s normal to fear undergoing a medical exam, think of it as something that can help you better understand your body and overall wellbeing so you can take all the necessary steps to improve your health and become a better half to your loved one, Dr. Puzon sums up. “With favorable results, you can breathe a sigh of relief and go on with your lives. Should your test results reveal conditions you or your partner were not aware of, do not fret, your doctors will be there to help you overcome them early so that you and your spouse can enjoy many years of healthy living together.”
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makati med.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.