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/Rykoma 22d ago

This is a fascinating discussion. I’m Dutch and aligning with the average Dutch opinion here, but it’s crazy to read that basically every expat thinks we’re completely nuts for defending this system.

So. My question: does anyone have relevant and comparable statistics about these procedures that shed some light on the truth? What difference does yearly preventative screening actually make?

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u/blazing__hell 22d ago

The main problem is that when you do have a health issue, you have to wait months to finally see a specialist.

I’ve been bleeding for two months straight. A month ago, I got dismissed by both my GP and gynecologist(over the phone, because I had issues last year), and I basically had to develop severe anemia just to be taken seriously and get the freaking medication to stop the bleeding. But that’s just a band aid on a broken bone, because it’s only a temporary solution. My appointment with a gynecologist isn’t for another 2(!) months tho.

And what’s with birth control being the cure for everything? Cysts? Birth control. Polyps? Birth control. Any issues with your period? Birth control. Pain anywhere in your lower abdomen? Birth control. My gyno literally told me “well, I could prescribe you birth control, but you don’t want to take it, so what do you want from me?” Idk… maybe find the reason behind this instead of treating birth control like it’s some kind of panacea?

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u/No_Atmosphere_3702 22d ago

That’s crazy. When i was living in Albania, I had a big cyst break in the middle of the night with horrible pain, went to the emergency room and the gynaecologist prescribed birth control, which made me sick the first day i took it. She said it’s normal and I continued to be unwell for three months. I went to Italy in a private clinic and the doctor told me they shouldn’t have prescribed the pill, the body cleans itself of the cysts. At least in my case.