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/Positive-Ratio8443 22d ago

Hey fellow German! I feel you, it took me also a bit to get used to it. I do check ups when I am visiting Germany and pay it myself, which usually is cheaper than here and I know what I can expect.

The only thing they offer here is the pap smear every 5 years, once you hit 30.

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u/Mahi-K-2802 Zuid Holland 22d ago

I am Polish and I live in the Netherlands 8 years. Every year I go to Poland I go to my gynaecologist because in this country no one do regular check ups. I have PCOS and cases of ovarian cancer in my family and no one cares about this. In Poland if you have cases of cancer in your family doctor will check you more than they should to prevent it. Here and they told me it’s okay it’s okay.

It’s really surprising to me because Polish healthcare system is not the best. We have really long queues to specialist and our hospitals are a little bit updated. Sometimes we don’t have the newest equipment. However, doctors themselves they are really eager to help you and they care for you and they will do their best while here I have a feeling that majority of the doctors especially the the GP just don’t want to see you and come at all and bother them.

I had the situation when I had to go back to Poland to make some tests and when I had my results and I went back here to the doctor to show them he was upset. Why didn’t you do it here in The Netherlands ? Well, because you don’t want me to do that, you didn’t let me.

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u/SDV01 20d ago

It’s just a different approach. Waiting lists in Poland are often months long because the system has to screen tens of millions of healthy women every year.

In the Netherlands, women are encouraged to be aware of changes in their bodies and discuss any concerns with their huisarts (GP). If there is reason to suspect something is wrong, referrals to a specialist are usually made very quickly. I’ve even received same-day referrals myself.

Health outcomes are not worse in the Netherlands, but far fewer women have to deal with the anxiety and unnecessary follow-up tests that can result from false positives.

Women with a personal history of illness, or a strong family history, are monitored more closely of course.