Like Western countries, the divorce rate in our country is steadily on the rise. On going into details, invariably the cause is found to be either a physical incompatibility or emotional incongruity between the partners. In 90% cases the trauma of divorce can be avoided, if the couple undergoes a counselling session and certain medical investigations just before getting into matrimony.
As family physicians, very often doctors are expected to give guidance to those who are getting into matrimony. Parents find it difficult to explain everything to their sons or daughters about the new relationship they are entering into; either out of hesitation or lack of knowledge. Unlike more developed countries, sex education is still not widely advocated in schools or colleges in our country. At such occasions family doctors are invariably asked for help and are expected to oblige the parent community by doing the necessary briefing. In a busy practice, most of the doctors do not find adequate time to devote to Pre-Marriage Counselling, and are very often not too comfortable with counselling.
As family physicians, very often doctors are expected to give guidance to those who are getting into matrimony. Parents find it difficult to explain everything to their sons or daughters about the new relationship they are entering into; either out of hesitation or lack of knowledge. Unlike more developed countries, sex education is still not widely advocated in schools or colleges in our country. At such occasions family doctors are invariably asked for help and are expected to oblige the parent community by doing the necessary briefing. In a busy practice, most of the doctors do not find adequate time to devote to Pre-Marriage Counselling, and are very often not too comfortable with counselling.
It is also very necessary to know about the physical well-being of both the partners before they marry, particularly about one's reproductive ability and diseases that could be transmitted sexually. Our centre has this unique facility (Pre-Marriage Counselling & Check-up), in which both the partners can have all the concerned investigations done under one roof, and also get a healthy & complete understanding of all the aspects of the male-female relationship. We have a full-fledged Radiology, Sonography & Automated Pathology Laboratory set-up to meet every need in these cases.
In India, match making is still done on the basis of Horoscopes and the religious & financial backgrounds of the two families. It is high time that we start ascertaining the compatibility of the couple on more practical & realistic grounds by undergoing such medical check-ups & pre-marriage counselling.
Having done this, the youngsters will definitely be able to tie the nuptial knot with more confidence & self-esteem and start their new relationship on a more sound footing.
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