Who should have a reproductive health check-up?

Couples about to get married, with chronic diseases, and women who have had miscarriages and plan to become pregnant should have a reproductive health check-up.

According to BS.CKII Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, many people only think about checking their reproductive health when they are infertile. Meanwhile, some diseases such as endocrine disorders, sexually transmitted diseases or genetic diseases can progress silently for many years. Examination before marriage helps detect these risks early, thereby providing appropriate treatment or monitoring.

Below are groups of people who should have a pre-marital health check.

The couple is getting married or planning to have a baby within 6-12 months

Even if there are no unusual symptoms, the check-up still helps evaluate general health and early detect factors that can affect fertility. At the same time, couples are advised on nutrition, vaccination, and the appropriate time to get pregnant.

Chronically ill people

People with medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease or autoimmune disease should also be evaluated by a doctor before becoming pregnant. This is to better control the underlying disease and reduce the risk of complications for mother and fetus.

Premarital examination is also necessary for people with a family history of genetic diseases such as thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, congenital metabolic disorders, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia... The patient will be screened and treated if necessary before marriage.

People who have had a miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or infertility

This group needs to be examined more closely to find the cause, evaluate fertility, and develop a follow-up plan for the next pregnancy.

Women aged 35 years or older or older men planning to have children are also recommended to have premarital examination because the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and pregnancy complications tends to increase with age.

Through clinical examination and necessary tests, doctors can detect diseases that affect fertility or pregnancy. In cases with risk factors, patients will be prescribed additional in-depth tests to screen for genetic diseases or evaluate reproductive function. Doctors can advise couples on nutrition, weight, lifestyle, and necessary vaccinations before pregnancy.

Depending on each person's age, medical history, reproductive history and needs, the doctor may prescribe additional in-depth tests for a comprehensive assessment.

Thuy Hanh