November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the preventive care and health practices that can make a significant difference in men’s lives. Annual campaigns like Movember have brought attention to key issues like mental health and prostate cancer, but there’s another, often-overlooked aspect of men’s health that’s equally vital: genetic health. For men considering fatherhood, genetic screening before becoming a parent could be a meaningful step toward a healthier future.
The idea of genetic testing before pregnancy may seem unconventional to some men. After all, many view health screenings as something primarily associated with women’s health or as part of an expectant mother’s routine. However, genetic risks are not exclusive to any one gender. By understanding their genetic makeup, men can play an active role in family planning, identifying potential inherited risks that could affect their future children.
Emily Goldberg, MS, CGC, Director and Head of Genetic Counseling Services at jscreen.org, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases, notes that misconceptions often keep men from considering genetic testing. “Men sometimes think genetic testing is only relevant for women, but there are many genetic factors that both parents can pass down,” she explains. “For men, understanding these risks is an important part of planning for a family’s health.”
Genetic testing before pregnancy is designed to uncover any recessive genetic conditions that an individual may unknowingly carry. This is especially relevant when both partners carry mutations in the same gene, as it increases the risk of passing on conditions like cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs disease. These insights allow couples to make informed decisions and explore options that can help mitigate these risks, often with the support of a genetic counselor who can guide them through the results.
This Men’s Health Awareness Month, consider the benefits of preventive care that extend beyond the traditional screenings. Regular check-ups, exercise, and a balanced diet are all foundational to good health, but genetic screening offers a different level of preventive care. It equips men with the knowledge to not only protect their own health but also to contribute meaningfully to the health of future generations.
The process of genetic screening is now more accessible than ever, with at-home testing options that can be done with minimal effort. These services often come with support from genetic counselors, making it easy to understand the results and take steps as needed. For men who are thinking about starting a family in the future, this proactive approach can be a powerful way to embrace responsibility and health together.
Incorporating genetic screening is a natural extension of Men’s Health Awareness Month’s message: that men deserve the knowledge and resources to make informed health decisions. Taking this step could be a meaningful way to plan for a healthy future, not just for yourself, but for the family you hope to build.
