The premarital exam: a patient perspective

Forty-five recently married patients were surveyed on the content of their premarital exam and their opinions of what ought to be included and excluded. Although most respondents desired the physician to raise the topics of reproductive biology (62%), health history (62%), and the sexual relationship (53%), one-third of the subjects also sought counsel on interpersonal relations and childrearing issues. Most subjects in this latter group left the premarital exam with their relationship and childrearing questions unanswered. Female patients were more likely than male patients to have their questions or concerns addressed, raising the question of a selective gender bias. These findings indicate that physicians should offer counsel on most topics without waiting for the patient to ask, allowing patients to turn down unwanted help, rather than having to ask for information in sensitive areas.