Patient's question:
I want to have a child. I have had a check-up at the hospital and it was normal. I would like to know what check-ups are required for men before they have a child? My husband's brother has a congenital cleft lip, will this affect my child? Does my husband need to do any check-ups?Doctor's answer:
Hello: The items for pre-pregnancy health checks are similar to our general health checks, and the number of items can vary.The following explains a few important items:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test can determine the level of hemoglobin and identify anemia, allowing for early treatment. It also provides platelet counts.
Platelets are related to blood clotting, and childbirth involves some bleeding. Therefore, individuals with platelet issues should be treated before becoming pregnant.
This test can also measure the size of red blood cells (MCV). The Han Chinese population has a high prevalence of thalassemia carriers. Thalassemia carriers have smaller red blood cells, with an MCV below 80. This is an inherited disease, and only children with both parents as carriers will be affected.
Therefore, if the expectant mother’s MCV is below 80, the expectant father must also have a blood test. If both have an MCV below 80, further tests such as blood electrophoresis and DNA analysis may be required. If only one has an MCV below 80, there is no need for concern.
This is a genetic disease that can be diagnosed prenatally, so the number of newborns with thalassemia has significantly decreased in recent years. Thus, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) can be considered a cost-effective test with highly important results.
Common pre-pregnancy checks for men: Liver function (HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb), tests for common sexually transmitted diseases, and semen analysis, among others. Specific details will be determined by the doctor after the visit.