Wedding Planner

NOW that Diwali is over, next on the social calendar is the wedding season. Time to collect the perfect trousseau, plan the wedding, sign up for spa sessions and choose the honeymoon destination. But it8217;s easy, in this heady rush, to forget one of the most important aspects: health.

A pre-wedding plan?

Yes. Indian norms are not comfortable with internal check-ups, but gynaecological and routine health checks are highly recommended.

Any specifics?

Top of the mind should be contraception, that is, if you aren8217;t looking to become a parent immediately. Your doctor can help decide on the type of birth control best suited to you, and issues related to your future fertility. 8216;8216;Most couples don8217;t decide on contraception and then end up with an unwanted pregnancy,8221; says Dr Lalitha Badhwar, consultant gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon.

Are these the only reproductive issues?

There are also couples who choose to be childless. For them, doctors may recommend tubal ligation or vasectomy. People who have undergone sterilisation may wish to reverse the procedures.

Gynaecs can help.

Though doctors in the West insist on internal examinations, including pap smear tests for detection of pelvic cancer in women, experts in India are happy with routine ultrasound and blood tests. 8216;8216;Assuming that most unmarried people in our traditional society are not sexually active, pap smears are not necessary,8217;8217; says Dr Badhwar.

Any other tests?

Yes, possibly the most vital. Unless both partners are virgins, doctors suggest tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Even if there8217;s been only one sexual encounter, it is important these tests be performed. Undiagnosed STDs like pelvic inflammatory disease can affect pregnancy plans.

Remember genetics.

The principal causes of concern are genetic disorders like thalassaemia and haemophilia. Should blood groups of the potential parents run the risk, doctors will advise genetic counselling. Doctors will also counsel parents on diagnosis, prognosis and management of genetic disorders and detection of carriers for inherited disorders.

So is that all?

Not really. Doctors suggest a complete general physical exam. It8217;s also important you discuss the two families8217; medical histories and potential health risks with your spouse-to-be.