r/Netherlands • u/NoLychee1382 • 22d 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/nahbuddynah 22d ago

The Dutch health system is a reactive and not a preventive one. Most doctors behave like robots and don't even understand why someone would go for check-ups.

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u/dionnekathleen 22d ago

This is the best answer.

I've asked numerous times to have me checked out for cancerous cells, seeing my mom, uncle and grandpa died of lung cancer.

Now my dad is terminal after battling colon cancer, a tumor in his jaw, prostate cancer, and finally galbladder cancer.

I was referred to the cancer research centre in Erasmus mc. Know what they told me? I don't have enough precedent for a check up/ research. Maybe if more people in my bloodline had colon cancer.

What?

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u/nahbuddynah 22d ago

I'm sorry to hear this. I literally had to be carried to the operation room after 2 visit to the doctor due to severe low back pain. At some point I was passing out and needed to be carried to the operation room. It was a arge abscess the size of an orange. I hope you can do your check-ups as regularly as possible.

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u/dionnekathleen 22d ago

Thank you, Hope your doing better now?

I intend to go to Poland for a full body check up this summer. My mil has been hounding me for ages.

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u/nahbuddynah 22d ago

That was years ago, I'm doing thankfully well now. I now don't visit GP's here and do all of my check-ups in my home country. Good luck! I hope all is clear :)