3. Because most couples will want children, the reproductive apparatus should be examined to see if reproduction is possible and that the individual is free from defects that would make conception impossible or childbirth hazardous. (This would mean pelvic measurements for the female.) The possibility of sterility or impotence should be checked and any physical factor that might impair or prevent normal sexual relations should be treated.

4. There should be an investigation of the integrity and normal functioning of the heart, respiratory apparatus and the central nervous system.

5. Freedom from venereal disease, both gonorrhea and syphilis, should be ascertained.

The physical exam gives the physician an unusually good opportunity to allay any fears regarding sexual adjustment that either person may have. At the examination just prior to the wedding, the physician can give the girl instructions in the role of the female in physical intimacy. There should be an explanation of orgasm, and if desired, there can be instructions about birth spacing.

Even though some factors may be adverse that does not mean you should refrain from marrying. It simply means that both of you go into marriage with your eyes open. Furthermore, most physical defects can be corrected, often even sterility. Much of the impotence among young men is caused by psychological rather than physical factors.

IS THE MATE A NEUROTIC?

And while you are at it you might ask yourself whether you are too. Answer yes or no.

1.Is he or she easily fatigued?
2.Does he or she have many headaches?
3.Does the mate often feel blue?
4.Does he feel unhappy much of the time?
5.Does he frequently seem to feel lonely?
6.Does he often complain that he feels nervous and shaky inside?
7.Does he often seem to feel miserable?
8.Does he seem to find it hard to trust people?
9.Does it bother him to talk to strangers?
10.Are his feelings easily hurt?
11.Does he often have the feeling that the whole world is against him?
12.Is it apparently difficult for him to keep his mind on what he is doing?
13.Is he troubled frequently with indigestion or heartburn?
14.Does he say that he sometimes gets so discouraged he feels like giving up?
15.Does he often feel weak or as though he were going to faint?
16.Does he often have pains in his hip or back?
17.Does he think that people talk about him behind his back?
18.Does he think he has had a great deal of hard luck in his life?
19.Does he say that people frequently play mean tricks on him?
20.Does he worry about many things?
21.Does he have trouble getting along with people?
22.Does he complain of being frequently troubled with long periods of insomnia or restless sleep?
23.Does he often appear listless, indifferent or uninterested in life around him?
24.Is he suspicious of some of his acquaintances or friends?
25.Are his habits of eating or sleeping irregular and peculiar?

An affirmative answer to any one of these questions does not mean the person is a neurotic by any means. But a pattern of neuroticism is apparently present in the person if he answered ten or more with yes. He appears to be maladjusted to life. Ideally every question should be answered no. If you feel you don’t know the person well enough to answer some of the questions, score only those you are sure of. Then, if two out of five of your answers are yes, it would appear that the person may be maladjusted. And incidentally, how did you make out yourself?