Which regular preventive examinations are worth including?

Family planning is a special stage of life for many couples, full of hope and dreams for the future. Unfortunately, for some, this process may encounter difficulties related to fertility or the risk of passing on hereditary diseases. That’s why it is worth considering appropriate preventive and genetic testing. These help to better understand both partners’ health, identify potential causes of conception problems, or eliminate the risk of passing genetic defects to the future child. Thanks to modern genetic tests, you can prepare for parenthood consciously and take steps that increase the chances of a healthy and safe pregnancy. In this article, we discuss which tests are worth doing before trying for a baby and why they are so important for future parents.

Hormone tests

Checking hormone levels (FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol) can help assess fertility, as hormonal imbalances often affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Gynecological ultrasound

Allows assessment of the condition of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. This is a key examination to check for cysts, polyps, fibroids, or other abnormalities that may affect fertility.

Semen analysis

It is also advisable for the man to check the quality of his semen—the motility, count, and morphology of sperm are assessed.

Infectious disease screening

Tests for diseases such as chlamydia, HIV, toxoplasmosis, and viral hepatitis are important, as they can affect the course of pregnancy or fertility.

Thyroid tests (TSH, FT3, FT4)

Proper thyroid function is crucial for reproductive health. Thyroid hormone disorders can affect ovulation and overall fertility.

Complete blood count and vitamin levels (especially vitamin D, B12, folic acid)

These tests help determine overall health and any deficiencies that may impact reproductive health.

Karyotype testing

Helps detect congenital chromosomal abnormalities that may affect fertility, lead to miscarriage, or cause genetic diseases in offspring. It is especially recommended for couples who have experienced recurrent miscarriages or difficulties conceiving.

Screening for hereditary diseases

If there are genetic diseases in the family, it is worth carrying out carrier testing for selected genetic mutations, e.g., cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, or metabolic disorders. Being a carrier of these mutations can affect the health of the future child, even if the parents themselves have no symptoms.