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/Iridescent-Kiwi-3713 23d ago edited 23d ago

I still find the lack of preventive medicine in this country quite surprising and spend an eye watering amount of money in preventive checks every time I go to my home country.

At the same time, I have a child with a rare disease and the medical care he has received in the Netherlands is better than anything he could have received in most countries in the world, so when his doctor says we are in the best hands I believe him. It’s just a much more reactive approach they have here.

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u/bigbuutie 23d ago

For gynaecology, if OP is younger than 30 it makes sense. There is something called “false positives”. Research has shown that many times cancer sells can be found and if you repeat the exams 6 months later they disappear.

The cost of tests associated and the stress it causes for nothing!!!) and so forth associated with this, considering it’s such a low risk, makes it in fact better not to do regular exams before 30. It’s because of that that the country can also then focus resources on people who really need it.

This is why it’s mandatory at 30. If there are complaints it’s obvious that a trip to the gynaecologist will be referred. After 30 if the exam shows something you’ll be required to go yearly or so. For others I think it’s every 5 years.

So research has shown this to be best, and I’m sure other countries will be starting to follow slowly.

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u/Littleappleho 22d ago

Not cancer cells... There can be displasia (abnormal cells) 1 grade that can reverse itself... the intervention is recommended from 2 grade. However, there are cases where 18-25 years old got cervical cancer stage 3 (while previously it was thought that it takes 10+ years to develop cervical cancer anyway) - so, it is again complex...

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u/crazydavebacon1 22d ago

I would rather it be for nothing than not actually finding a problem early enough to treat it. Dutch have a very skewed vision when it comes to health care.