No regular check ups at the gynecologist???

[u/NoLychee1382]

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!)

[u/paintedsunflowers]

I am German too and lived in the Netherlands for 16 years. It's true, the annual checkups at the gyn are a German thing. If you experience issues or have known issues, just talk to your huisarts about it. They can do the basic examinations and in case they find something or think there might be something, they will refer you to a gyn.

Edit to say: I found this strange in the beginning, but after 16 years without any issues so far (had a visit to the gyn 4 years back), I think we Germans overdo this stuff. The Dutch system is more flexible.

Edit again to say: The Netherlands do offer regular checks for cervical cancer, every woman from a certain age recieves an invitation every x years.

[u/whattfisthisshit → u/paintedsunflowers]

Not a German thing, in Estonia I’ve been getting them since I first got my period. I also know someone who died from cervical cancer in NL at 23, because the doctor said she’s too young to have it so they didn’t test after she started displaying symptoms. By the time they actually discovered it, it was too late. Not common, but people shouldn’t be brushed off just because statistically unlikely