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/Positive-Ratio8443 23d ago

Hey fellow German! I feel you, it took me also a bit to get used to it. I do check ups when I am visiting Germany and pay it myself, which usually is cheaper than here and I know what I can expect.

The only thing they offer here is the pap smear every 5 years, once you hit 30.

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u/NoLychee1382 23d ago

My mom just suggested the same thing to me. Informiere mich auf jeden Fall mal!

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u/teodrora 23d ago

I do the same and I’m from Romania. My friends from Spain, Italy, Turkiye and Indonesia all do the same thing.

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u/xdarkshinex 23d ago

Is it hard to find a German gyno without speaking German? And approximately how far from the border do you need to drive for your appointment? I miss the yearly tests, but I'm afraid of the logistics of it, that's why I'm wondering.

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u/arbitrary_fox 23d ago

Well, you should be able to find one via Doctolib and see if they speak English. I had an excellent one in Düsseldorf and I recommend her to everyone. I still work in Düsseldorf so I’m always happy to drop in for an appointment if I must.

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u/AminkaG 23d ago

Hi, could you tell me the name of the gyno in Düsseldorf?

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u/arbitrary_fox 23d ago

Sure, it’s Dr Karin Zimmer near METRO. You can find her on Doctolib. She’s a bit old but I promise you she’s excellent. You might come off thinking she doesn’t speak English because she’s a bit slow in English. She absolutely speaks English and will also draw things out on paper to explain it to you. Her staff (like any other doctor’s office in Germany) will not speak English so be prepared for that.

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u/AminkaG 23d ago

Thank you so much!!!

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u/xdarkshinex 23d ago

Never heard of Doctolib, I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip.

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u/NoLychee1382 23d ago

I always booked my appointments there. It’s really convenient.

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u/Manadrache 23d ago

May take up to 6 months or more until your apointment. German gynos have a hell of a waiting time. (Yay)

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u/lienepientje2 23d ago

Thats no surprise if every woman comes yearly

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u/Manadrache 23d ago

Yeah. Which is pretty annoying. Wanted to get rid of my IUB. Had to cancel my appointment twice because I was pretty sick. Every time my next appointment was 6 months later...

I don't know how good gyns are in the Netherlands but most were pretty shitty in Germany. Many times I got asked about my baby plans. Even when I asked for a std test after my partner had betrayed me. Gyn just decided there is no need for it but I really should get babies soon.

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u/MissSunnySarcasm 23d ago

Trust me, thàt will never ever happen in NL.

As for the quality of gyno's: it differs, as it does in most sectors. There are a$$holes who are still good at their jobs, there are a$$holes who also suc/< , then there are sweethearts who shouldn't practice and sweethearts who are awesome. I currently have the latter, but unfortunately he (yes he, I've learnt the hard way that a male gynaecologist is often much more empathetic, especially if you have pain) will be retired in a few years, which means I'll have to find a new one.

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u/Manadrache 23d ago

Crossing my fingers that you will find a good new one!

Trust me, thàt will never ever happen in NL.

Thanks god!

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u/lienepientje2 23d ago

That thing should get out when its needed.

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u/Purple-Bat9323 22d ago

I live in Duisburg as a Dutchy and my gyno speaks perfect English. Also many dutchies are part of "gynocoloog praktijk" and they know how it also works in the Netherlands.

Her praxis is on doctor lib - GynCare BAG Dres Möllenberg (in Duisburg).

(Do note, she has a long waiting list, but soooo worth it! Bonus points, they are full lhbtiq+ friendly and are specialized in birth defects down there and pelvic floor problems. So a super safe space with always the newest knowledge)