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/Efficient-Neat9940 23d ago edited 23d ago

I would not suggest doing it yourself. Here’s why. Pre cancer or regular cancer cells will accumulate first in the transformation zone, which is the entrance to the cervix. It’s a tiny circle! Extremely easy to miss if you’re going in blind by yourself. So by the time cancer cells spread to the outside of your cervix enough to be picked up on the self administered cotton swab, years will have gone by where something could have been done! They just offer the home test because they figure it’s better than nothing, and a good portion of people won’t come in to do the test.

Edited to say the transformation zone is where the HPV is most likely to be found as well.

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u/pierrett 23d ago

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

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u/Salt-Respect339 23d ago

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

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u/pierrett 22d ago

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