Not kundli matching, its DNA testing: The new marriage trend explained

Genetic compatibility testing is emerging as a new conversation among couples planning marriage and parenthood. Experts say it can help identify hidden inherited disorders and reduce the risk of passing serious diseases to children.

In Short

• Silent carriers may appear healthy until both partners share one faulty gene
• Each pregnancy can carry a 25% risk when both test positive
• Screening uses blood or saliva samples to flag inherited disease risks

In today’s world, couples are discussing much more than careers, finances, and lifestyle before marriage. Health compatibility is increasingly important in relationship planning, especially for couples preparing for pregnancy.

One of the fastest-growing trends in reproductive healthcare is genetic compatibility testing, a screening process that checks whether two people carry the same inherited genetic disorder.

Experts believe that this approach could help prevent several serious diseases in children before pregnancy even begins. While the concept may sound futuristic, genetic screening is already becoming common in fertility clinics and pre-pregnancy counselling programs across the world.

Many inherited disorders remain hidden for generations because carriers often appear completely healthy. Problems arise only when both partners carry the same faulty gene. In such cases, there is a significant chance that the child may inherit the disease.

Doctors say awareness about reproductive health, advancements in fertility science, and increasing access to genetic technology are pushing more couples to consider these tests before starting a family.

According to Dr.Mandavi Rai, Senior Fertility & IVF Specialist, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Noida, compatibility screening has become an important part of modern reproductive science because many people unknowingly carry genetic mutations.

“Most individuals are silent carriers of at least one genetic defect. While it may not affect the carrier personally, if both partners carry the same defective gene, there is a 25% chance in every pregnancy that the child may develop the disease,” she explained.

WHAT IS GENETIC COMPATIBILITY TESTING?

Genetic compatibility testing, also known as carrier screening, is a medical test that checks whether prospective parents carry inherited gene mutations linked to serious diseases.

A carrier usually does not show symptoms of the disease. However, if both partners carry the same genetic condition, the baby may inherit the disorder.

The screening is usually done through a blood test or a saliva sample. It helps identify risks before pregnancy, allowing couples to make informed reproductive decisions.

Doctors say this is particularly useful in conditions that do not have a cure or require lifelong treatment.

WHICH DISEASES CAN CARRIER SCREENING DETECT?

Carrier screening can identify a wide range of inherited conditions. Some common disorders include:

• Thalassemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
• Fragile X syndrome
• Certain metabolic and neurological disorders

Some of these conditions severely affect quality of life and may require lifelong medical care.

Dr. Rai pointed out that many families may not even know these disorders exist in their genetic history.

“Some diseases may not have any family history at all, which is why testing becomes the only way to identify the risk,” she said.

• WHY ARE MORE COUPLES CHOOSING GENETIC SCREENING?

Several factors are contributing to the rise in genetic compatibility testing:

• BETTER AWARENESS ABOUT INHERITED DISEASES

People today are more informed about reproductive health and preventive healthcare.

• DELAYED PREGNANCIES

As couples choose to have children later in life, fertility and genetic health discussions are becoming more common.

• ADVANCEMENTS IN IVF AND REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE

Modern fertility treatments now offer options like pre-implantation genetic testing, where embryos can be screened before pregnancy.

• EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL CONCERNS

Raising a child with a severe inherited disorder can involve long-term emotional stress, medical treatment, and financial burden.

Experts say early screening helps couples prepare emotionally and medically.

SHOULD GENETIC TESTING BECOME ROUTINE BEFORE MARRIAGE?

This remains a growing debate in healthcare.

Some experts believe genetic testing should become a routine part of pre-marital or pre-pregnancy health check-ups, similar to blood group testing or basic health screening.

Supporters argue that universal screening can help reduce the number of children born with serious genetic illnesses. It also removes the idea that only “high-risk” communities need testing.

Dr. Rai believes genetic testing should eventually become part of regular healthcare planning for couples.

“The shift from selective screening to universal genetic testing can significantly reduce serious inherited conditions globally,” she said.

However, experts also stress the importance of proper counselling. Genetic reports can sometimes create anxiety, confusion, or fear among couples if not explained correctly.

IS GENETIC MATCHMAKING THE FUTURE?

While genetic compatibility testing cannot predict relationship success, experts say it can become a valuable health tool for future family planning.

The idea is not to discourage relationships but to provide couples with scientific information to help them make informed choices about pregnancy and parenthood.

With increasing awareness around preventive healthcare, genetic screening may soon become as normal as routine medical check-ups before marriage.

For many couples, the question is no longer just “Are we compatible emotionally?” but also “Are we genetically compatible for a healthier future generation?”

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