JOIN USMarriage, now made in laboratories
Marriages are made in heaven’ – this age-old phrase may now may well be on its way out. For it presumes that when a couple marries, it is destined to do so, because their nuptials was decided by Gods in heaven!
But today, times have truly changed – at least for those who opt for pre-matrimony medical tests.
Now, it appears weddings are being decided in laboratories as more and more couples are opting for tests before they take this life-altering plunge. A matrimonial test, for the uninitiated, is a parameter to determine the compatibility of partners – especially on medical grounds. The tests typically include an HIV+ test, thalassemia test and a check to match the couples’ blood groups.
One young couple in Delhi who is planning to undergo this test says that their respective families advised them to do so. “It was a conscious decision to get these tests done as it is important to know whether your partner is fine or not. After all, it will affect one’s whole life if something is found ‘wrong’ post-marriage,” says Tanushree Kundu, the would-be bride. Any apprehension as the package also includes a check on HIV+? “No, not at all, it is a procedure and we are okay with it. I would advice all couples to go for it rather than regret later.”
Gone are the days when it was said that the quality of a relationship between a couple is determined by each other’s personal characteristics and conduct. Now things are more open, as awareness about all kinds of diseases has increased.
Says Dr Alka Malhotra, a leading gynecologist, “I get at least two cases every week where a couple comes to me for matrimonial test advice. Nowadays, nobody wants to get affected by any virus, unnecessarily. Also, there are 70 per cent chances that an HIV+ woman will deliver an HIV+ child.”
Advances in medicine, coupled with awareness and exposure has made people not just curious but also cautious about their would-be (or rather could-be) spouse’s health and his/her family’s health background too.
Dr Prakash Kothari, a leading sexologist too says these tests are important prior to marriage. “It is no longer about matching the horoscope. It is important to go in for this test too. Both the partners should not hesitate because if anything goes wrong, this catastrophe can ruin lives and relationship.”
According to Dr Prakash, couples should go for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, rather than the HIV+ test because it is more effective. For example, if a person has had sexual contact today, there is a window period of 90 days to develop this virus and a simple HIV+ test is worthless in that case.
On the other hand, the PCR test can detect the virus the very next day. “Education is the only vaccine and prevention is the only cure. For those who are apprehensive about their names being made public, they have the option of confidentiality,” he adds.