Somewhere in Nigeria, another beautiful couple-to-be is getting ready to say “I do.”
The excitement is electric, from endless phone calls with vendors to dress fittings, last-minute guest list adjustments, etc. Yet beneath the glitter and shine of wedding fever, one question often goes unasked: “Are we both medically prepared for this trip?”
In a society where love stories tend to grow faster than health conversations, many couples get married without knowing their complete health status. This lack of knowledge can cause complications that affect fertility, motherhood and even emotional well-being.
Marriage is more than a celebration of love; It is a lifelong partnership that thrives on knowledge, honesty and good health. As you plan the wedding of your dreams, from the perfect venue to outfits and catering, remember that true preparation begins with understanding your health.
Before you say “I do,” make sure your body and your partner’s are ready for the life you’re about to build together.
In this article, Online tribune Check out 5 medical tests every couple should consider before walking down the aisle.
1. Genotype test (sickle cell disease)
This is the first door. A quick blood test indicates whether you are AA, AS, AC or SS.
When both members of the couple are carriers of sickle cell trait (AS), there is a significant chance of having a child with the SS genotype, a condition characterized by chronic pain, organ damage, reduced life expectancy, and a high medical burden.
Rather than waiting until after marriage, early awareness allows for family planning, safer reproductive decisions, and psychological preparation.
2. Blood group and Rhesus factor (Rh)
Before marriage, one of the most important medical tests that every couple should undergo is the blood group and Rhesus factor (Rh) test. Beyond knowing whether a person is A, B, AB or O, this test reveals Rh status: whether a person is Rh positive (+) or Rh negative (-).
This simple discovery can prevent lifelong heartbreak for future couples.
When an Rh-negative woman has an Rh-positive baby, her body may treat the baby’s red blood cells as foreign and produce antibodies against them. This condition, known as Rhesus incompatibility, can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or a serious condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn.
3. Screening for infections: HIV, hepatitis B/C and syphilis
Another vital set of tests before marriage is infection screening, which includes testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. These infections can remain hidden for years and yet have serious implications for marriage, fertility, and future children.
HIV, although incurable, is controllable when detected early. With the right medication, counseling and lifestyle choices, couples can live normal, healthy lives and even have children free of HIV. The danger lies not in the infection itself, but in ignorance and late detection.
Hepatitis B and C are infections targeting the liver that can remain hidden for years and slowly cause inflammation, scarring or even cancer in the liver. Many Nigerians only discover they have hepatitis when serious complications develop. Syphilis, although old and treatable, remains another silent threat. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
For future couples, these infection tests are not about distrust but about mutual protection. Knowing your health status generates honesty, strengthens trust and safeguards the health of your future family. As Nigerian health experts often remind us, “love may be blind, but health should not be.
4. Fertility and reproductive health checks (for both partners)
Another essential test before marriage that is often overlooked is a fertility and reproductive health evaluation. Many Nigerian couples only begin to investigate fertility problems years after marriage, by which time preventable or treatable problems have worsened.
A premarital fertility check provides clarity to both partners and helps them plan with realism rather than assumptions.
For men, testing may include sperm count and motility analysis, hormone levels, and detection of infections that may affect fertility. For women, tests may include pelvic examinations, ovulation monitoring, hormonal evaluations, and screening for fibroids, ovarian cysts, or blocked tubes.
Early awareness can prevent years of distress and ensure that any health problems are addressed before they affect the emotional or social fabric of the marriage.
5. Detection of general health and chronic diseases
Finally, before saying “I do,” future couples should take time to understand their general health through basic medical checkups.
These include tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, cholesterol, and urinalysis. In Nigeria, where non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are on the rise, ignorance can be dangerous.
For example, hypertension in men can cause erectile dysfunction, while diabetes in women can complicate conception and pregnancy. Early testing ensures that both spouses are medically fit and can enter into the marriage on a well-being basis.