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What is a pre-marital screening?

A pre-marital screening is a crucial medical examination for couples intending to marry, to identify potential infectious, genetic, or hereditary health concerns.  Before marriage, couples are encouraged to conduct pre-marital screenings to establish a health baseline and uncover any health concerns such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Certain STDs can lead to tubal factor infertility, thereby affecting one’s chances of becoming a parent. Additionally, pre-marital screenings can also shed light on reproductive and general health– all of which are important elements of a successful married life. As such, a pre-marital screening empowers couples to enter marriages with sufficient information about their partners regardless of whether a couple aims to bear children. 

premarital screening singapore
A pre-marital screening is one of the most important steps couples should take before stepping into marriage.

Why is it important to undergo pre-marital screening?

Pre-marital screening similarly helps to nurture a healthier relationship. This is made possible as pre-marital screening seeks to:

  • Assess the health status of both partners.
  • Encourage open communication regarding each other’s health care needs.
  • Ensure that both partners are informed of possible health-related challenges.
  • Help both partners be mentally, emotionally, and financially prepared to face health-related challenges.
  • Help couples make more informed decisions that contribute to the couple’s family planning.
  • Identify potential health risks and underlying conditions.
  • Promotes proactive management of possible health-related challenges collectively.
  • Reduce the risk of severe health complications that may impact the relationship and the dynamics or well-being of the family.

What does a pre-marital screening in Singapore entail?

Depending on the type of pre-marital screening package that you opt for, it typically includes:

Diabetic profile

  • Fasting blood glucose

Hematology

  • Blood group (ABO)
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • Full blood count
  • Peripheral blood film

Hepatitis profile

  • Hepatitis Bs antigen & antibody
  • Hepatitis C antibody
  • Rubella igG antibody

Sexual transmitted disease (STD) screen

  • Venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL)
  • HIV antibody (However, it comes with an additional price of $150 for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea. The test is either done through a urine test for men, and a swab test for women.)

Thalassemia screen

  • Hemoglobin (HB) electrophoresis

Thyroid profile

  • T4
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test

Other tests

  • Semen analysis (for men)
  • Urine FEME (for women)

What insights does a pre-marital screening offer?

blood test singapore
A full blood test is done during a pre-marital screening to identify any abnormalities in your blood.

Some of the insights that a pre-marital screening offers include:

  • Detecting infectious diseases: by determining the presence of any infectious diseases, you will immediately have access to treatments, which will help reduce the severity, or complications of the disease, on top of encouraging couples to take the necessary precautions.
  • Genetic compatibility: by understanding each other’s genetic compatibility, couples will be able to assess how certain inherited, and genetic diseases may impact their family in the long run, thereby allowing them to make proper adjustments. Some of the common genetic diseases include thalassemia, anaemia, and cystic fibrosis.
  • Understanding the impact of certain diseases: certain diseases, especially chronic diseases, have long-term consequences on the individual, and subsequently the couple, and the family. Being informed of any potential chronic diseases will enable the couple to undergo the necessary treatment to improve their condition, as well as aiding the couple to make more informed decisions regarding conceiving.

How should I prepare for a pre-marital screening in Singapore?

A pre-marital screening is a quick, and straightforward examination. Be that as it may, it is important to be prepared before the screening appointment to prevent any possible hiccups. These preparations may include:

  • Gathering histories: it is advisable to compile all your medical, and family histories, as it will save time, and make it much easier for your doctor to assess the documentation.
  • Bring along relevant documents: remember to bring along your identification documents. If you have any prior medical records or results from previous medical tests, especially for genetic diseases, then do bring them along as well.
  • Adhere to pre-screening instructions: it is important to fast 8 hours prior to the screening. However, it is acceptable to drink water. In fact, staying hydrated is important as it helps to draw blood easier. Additionally, you may be advised to refrain from eating certain medications a few days prior to the examination, such as blood thinners.

What results can I expect from a pre-marital screening in Singapore?

The results from a pre-marital screening are typically obtained within 48 to 72 hours. Once your doctor has received the results, he or she will explain the results to you, and recommend your next course of action. But generally, the outcome of the results is often:

  • Positive results: if you or your partner tested positive for any of the criteria, such as genetic disorders, or infectious disease, then your doctor will advise you to begin treatment immediately to prevent the disease or condition from worsening. Aside from treatment, you will also be encouraged to undergo a consultation session to help process how the diseases, or conditions impact your marriage, and how you may regain control.
  • Negative results: if you or your partner tested negative, then it indicates that all is well. However, your doctor may advise you to undergo routine health screenings (link to health screening page) to monitor your overall health and well-being. This may also include an ultrasound (link to ultrasound page) to examine the health condition of your internal organs, and their surrounding structures.

Are you looking to declare your I Do’s soon? Then delay no more, and schedule an appointment for a pre-marital screening with one of our esteemed doctors today.

health screening singapore
Support is important prior to undergoing a pre-marital screening.

Frequently asked questions

While they have similar tests being performed, pre-marital screening, and pre-conception screening both have different goals. A pre-marital screening is aimed at understanding your overall health, and how certain factors may affect your family. Meanwhile, a pre-conception screening focuses more on your fertility health, to determine the likelihood of you becoming a parent.

While this is often on a case-to-case basis, generally it is recommended to undergo another round of pre-marital screening for precautionary purposes.

Often receiving less-than-pleasing or satisfactory results can cause sadness and distress. Having a stable support system will facilitate your journey, as well as aid in strengthening the relationship. At Ardeness Health we are well-equipped to aid our patients with sympathetic, discreet and compassionate care.

At Ardennes Health, the pre-marital screening costs $298 per individual, and $558 per couple.