Love is a beautiful thing that comes in different shapes, sizes and ways.
And while love is the foundation of marriage, it is inevitable that other components like trust, compatibility, forgiveness and sexual attraction are needed for marriage to endure the test of time.

That being said, there are other considerations that are often swept under the carpet in preparation for marriages. These ignored considerations in the long run always proves to be a serious impasse in marriage stability and happiness.
These considerations are;

MEDICAL PREDISPOSITION: in China premarital medical tests are compulsory for intending couples and the tests covers a range of medical checklist including hereditary illnesses, psychiatric problems, genotype, Hepatitis B antigens, organ health etc.
In other countries like Nigeria,  these tests are not mandated by the government, but it is important for individual couples to undergo these tests to insure their health and that of their unborn children.
Premarital medical examination will help young couples to determine their:

Sexual health; A happy, healthy sex-life is important to all marriages/relationships. It is therefore beneficial for intending couples to get tested together for sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
This test becomes essential should in case one of you has contacted an incurable STD such has HIV or herpes. This lifelong viruses doesn't have to tear down your love, but they can greatly alter your sex life and the health status of your unborn kids.

Genetic testing; It is extremely important for intending couples to know their genotype compatibility before walking down the aisle.

Genotype is the genetic makeup of a
cell, an organism, or an individual
usually with reference to a specific
characteristic under consideration... I will spare us the plenty medical terminologies and go straight to the point.

There are four genotypes in humans - AA, AS, SS and AC . AC genotype is not so common.

SS and AC are the abnormal genotypes or the sickle cells.
The knowledge of genotype is important when choosing life partners. Intending couples should know both their own genotype as well as their partner's genotype at the early stage of their relationship before they are well rooted in love and emotions.
Emotions and time spent in the relationship can cloud people’s judgment or decision to break up if they are not compatible, thus, giving birth to sickle cell children and subjecting themselves and their children to pain, torture, penury and agony.

Possible Outcomes of Different Genetic Combination are
AA + AA = AA, AA, AA, AA
AA + AS = AA, AS, AA, AS
AA + SS = AS, AS, AS, AS
AA + AC = AA, AA, AA, AC
AS + AS = AA, AS, AS, SS
AS + SS = AS, SS, SS, SS
AS + AC = AA, AC, AS,SS
SS + SS = SS, SS, SS, SS
AC + SS = AS, AS, SS, SS
AC + AC = AA, AC, AC, SS

People with the genotype AA are prone to malaria sickness at their early ages.
Sickle cell arises when there is any blockage in the blood vessels which inhibits the flow of oxygen. When the red blood cell do not have the required oxygen, there will be changes in its original shape (disc shape) to a "Sickle-like" or "crescent-like shape" , Thus, the name "sickle cell".
Sickle cell patients experience severe pains in body parts that lack oxygen flow. Their bone marrows will
fail to produce red blood cells and this result to anemia.
To save this crisis, blood is
usually transfused to them.

In terms of compatibility, someone with AA genotype can marry anybody.
It is safe for someone with AS to marry someone with AA genotype. The combinations of AS and AS,
AS and AC should not be risked.
There is probability of having a SS although slim, but still its risky and it might be your first and second child.

Sickle cells should they have to get married, must marry someone with the AA genotype.

Blood group testing;
It is advisable that intending couples
should know their blood groups before marriage. The blood groups are designated by the letters O, A, B, AB.
Blood groups have a hereditary basis
and depend upon a series of alternative genes, a fact sometimes utilized in solving the problems of disputed parentage.
Equally important and linked to the
blood group is the Rhesus antigen... I will also spare us the medical lecture here but knowledge of blood group is important during pregnancy immunization, and should a spouse is in urgent need of blood transfusion, the partner can conveniently donate.

In conclusion, there is a Latin adage that says;  Omnia vincit amor translated as LOVE CONQUERS ALL.
But love comes with its cross and thorns.
Yet although love can conquer all,  it is not an excuse to enter into such a union that will put your health and and that of your unborn kids in jeopardy.
Fall in love in the right place and love will surely conquer all.