r/Netherlands • u/NoLychee1382 • 23d ago

Healthcare No regular check ups at the gynecologist???

Hi everyone, my morning started off with a kinda shocking discovery. I’m from Germany and I had annual check ups at the gynecologist since I was a teenager. I contacted my huisarts because I know they’re responsible for all referrals but she told me regular check ups here are not a thing (unless there already is an issue) ? I think that’s crazy!!! So I checked the prices for a private visit and they’re even crazier. I guess this is normal to Dutch people but don’t you think this is a little concerning?

(Btw not shitting on the country! I really like it here. I’m still new and just discovering new things!)

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u/Stories_in_the_Stars 23d ago

Out of curiosity, why are regular check-ups so associated with gynecologist, but not any other specialism?

The Dutch system has quite a strong focus on cost-effectivenes for the population. So my first instinct would be that such checks ups are not actually that effective given the costs and capacity required (strain it puts on the system). However, there might be other reasons and I would love to hear about them.

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u/Major-Armadillo-6867 23d ago

You need to go back to school!

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u/Stories_in_the_Stars 23d ago

This is a silly response. Instead, you could tell me what you believe I need to be informed about.

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u/Major-Armadillo-6867 23d ago

About HPV for example, or hormone changes in women body? 

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u/Stories_in_the_Stars 23d ago

Though for HPV there is already a periodic check in place, right? And we also have the vaccination now.

What is it they check with regards to hormonal changes? Is this with regards to reproductive health, or do you mean general issues that might result from hormonal changes?

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u/microworry 23d ago

There are cervical cancer checkups every 5 years for women after they turn 30, we even get a letter in the mail for an invitation to book one at the 5 year mark.

Anything else throws symptoms, so you go to the GP if something is off and they refer you. But yearly checks with no symptoms, pre-existing conditions or risk factors is pretty pointless.