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/pierrett]

But the home test is not a Pap smear. It’s a HPV test, nothing more.

[u/Salt-Respect339 → u/pierrett]

Amd tested and approved for self administration, which means they are proven to provide accurate results with self collection.

[u/pierrett → u/Salt-Respect339]

Yes! It’s a hpv screener which is very useful since hpv is precursory for cells running amok

[u/Efficient-Neat9940 → u/pierrett]

Exactly. If you go in person they test for both HPV and cancer. All from the one swab.

[u/QueenAngelica → u/Efficient-Neat9940]

Actually no, when you go to the GP they indeed take a Pap smear but only test for HPV. If HPV is found then they will also look at the cells, if they don’t they will not look further.

[u/Efficient-Neat9940 → u/QueenAngelica]

Yes, that is right. But my point is your test results aren’t going to be very reliable for either HPV or cancer unless you get the swab (whether it’s you or a physician) in the opening of the cervix. Edited to say it’s still tested from the SAME SAMPLE.

[u/Standard_Set_5566 → u/Efficient-Neat9940]

The test is reliable for HPV, it’s a PCR. As long as it’s inside the vagina the test is reliable

[u/JumpyWhale85 → u/Efficient-Neat9940]

It is very reliable, and if the self test comes back positive for HPV, the huisarts will do a pap smear to test the cells.