Get tested before marriage

DOCTORS recommend that both partners get tested to ensure a clean bill of health before marriage and conjugal relations. Follow-up tests should also be done at intervals to ensure that both parties are still healthy.

In fact, those entering into a sexual relationship, whether long or short-term, should ensure that they both get tested for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papilloma Virus, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B.

It is believed that not enough emphasis is placed on HPV, which is a serious sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.

Syphilis can cause sores on the genitals, anus or mouth or a rash on the body, while herpes is highly contagious and can cause discomfort or aggravation while also weakening the immune system, thus increasing the chances of getting HIV. Herpes can cause brain damage, blindness or even death in newborns.

Meanwhile, hepatitis B can cause liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice and even death.

So while marriage counsellors often encourage the testing for HIV, tests should also be carried out for all other sexually transmitted diseases.

Couples are also encouraged to get tested for sickle cell disease or traits, as it would be useful to know whether both families have had a history of sickle cell disease, so that genetic counselling can be done.

As a result of couples not getting tested, or not getting follow-up tests, many spouses have fallen prey to sexually transmitted infections in their relationships. This can sometimes lead to mistrust as one partner may accuse the other of cheating, thus breaking the bond of trust.