The Importance of Thalassemia Screening Before Marriage

Before getting married, there are many things that the prospective bride and groom must prepare. One of the most important is health screening.

Prospective brides and grooms are advised to be screened for diseases that might be passed on to their future children. The disease screening that is highly recommended is thalassemia.

Thalassemia can be inherited genetically if one partner is a carrier of thalassemia. Therefore, to prevent thalassemia, it is very important to carry out thalassemia screening before marriage to detect hemoglobinopathy carriers.
Thalassemia is a hereditary disease (genetic disorder) caused by red blood cell abnormalities that requires patients to undergo blood transfusions throughout their lives. This disease can be inherited from marriage between two people with thalassemia and is dangerous for children.

Premarital screening examinations involve promoting the health and well-being of partners and offspring. This is very important because it can prevent the spread of disease and other factors that can influence the risk of pregnancy and birth.
This screening is carried out to determine and avoid the risk that diseases such as thalassemia can decrease in children. However, if you have been screened and diagnosed with thalassemia, this does not mean you cannot get married.

If you already know about thalassemia and still want to get married, that's okay. But, pay more attention if you want to have children. It must be discussed first with your partner. If the child is also diagnosed with thalassemia, the child must have regular blood transfusions at the hospital and other treatment, whether ready or not.

Screening before marriage also allows couples to know the right steps to take if one of them carries thalassemia. Screening before marriage will usually carry out several tests. This ranges from common genetic blood disorders (e.g. sickle cell anemia and thalassemia), including the risk of infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS).

The following are the benefits of having an examination before marriage, including thalassemia screening, namely:
•    Promote awareness of the comprehensive concept of healthy marriages
•    Reduce pressure on health institutions and blood banks
•    Avoid social and psychological problems for families whose children suffer from hereditary diseases
•    Reduce the financial burden on families and society to care for injured people
Every couple is advised to have an examination at least three months before the wedding date, so that the couple can plan their life better, as the premarital compatibility certificate is only valid for six months.