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***Mental health issues can affect parenting
Marriage represents a joyful new chapter for couples, marked by wedding planning, starting a family, and creating a loving home. However, amid the excitement, the butterflies, it’s crucial not to overlook an essential aspect: health.
A pre-marriage medical checkup is a key step that can significantly influence a couple’s future. It helps identify potential health issues, address any medical concerns, and make informed decisions about family planning.
The National Bureau of Statistics (2020), health-related issues contribute to one in five divorces. The International Journal of Epidemiology also reports that 20% of married couples face health problems within their first year of marriage.
By prioritising health checkups, couples can ensure a healthier and more secure relationship, paving the way for a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
Here are some reasons couples should have a medical checkup before marriage: 1. Identification of genetic disorders
This is a vital component of pre-marital medical checkups. Genetic disorders, if not detected early, can be passed from parents to their children, potentially leading to serious health issues, birth defects, or even miscarriage.
Unfortunately, many families worldwide have lost their marriages due to the stress and trauma of dealing with undiagnosed genetic disorders.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from rare genetic disorders, which can have a devastating impact on families.
Couples need to undergo genetic testing before marriage to identify potential genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, or thalassemia. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions about family planning, including the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children.
2. Detection of infectious diseases
Infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a devastating impact on families if left undetected. Many families worldwide have lost their marriages due to the stress, stigma, and trauma of dealing with undiagnosed infectious diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 376 million new cases of STIs every year, and many of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated. Early detection of infectious diseases through pre-marital medical checkups can help prevent the transmission of diseases between partners and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
3. Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, can have a significant impact on families if left undiagnosed or poorly managed. Many families worldwide have lost their marriages due to the stress, financial burden, and emotional toll of dealing with chronic health conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability globally, accounting for 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year. If left undetected, chronic health conditions can lead to complications, disability, and even death, causing immense emotional and financial strain on families.
4. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and neglecting it can have devastating consequences on families and marriages. Many families worldwide have lost their marriages due to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year, and untreated mental health conditions can lead to relationship problems, communication breakdown, and even divorce.
Mental health issues can also affect parenting, leading to a negative impact on children’s emotional and psychological development. Early detection and treatment of mental health issues through pre-marital counselling and medical checkups can help prevent marital breakdown. Couples can learn healthy communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and stress management techniques to build a strong and resilient marriage.
5. Pre-marital medical checkups can foster a stronger relationship by encouraging open and honest communication between partners. By sharing medical information and discussing health concerns, couples can build trust and understanding, laying a solid foundation for their future together.
This open communication can also help couples develop a stronger emotional bond, as they work together to address any health challenges that may arise.
Moreover, pre-marital medical checkups can also promote teamwork and collaboration in a relationship. By working together to manage health conditions and make lifestyle changes, couples can develop a sense of unity and shared purpose.
This can lead to a stronger, more resilient relationship, better equipped to handle life’s challenges and stresses. By prioritizing their health and well-being together, couples can build a strong and lasting foundation for their marriage.
Pre-marital medical checkups are essential for couples preparing for marriage. A healthy marriage begins with a healthy foundation.
