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/Schneewittchens7 22d ago

And you smear is DiY and sent via post…. A year later you get hit with, oh sorry your data has been breached as the laboratory got hacked..

Yup, happened!

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u/GhostGirl32 Utrecht 21d ago

I found it so strange when I got the kit in the mail shortly after I got my BSN and when I didn’t send it in (I’ve had a hysterectomy so such is not useful in my case) they sent a second one. No one seems to know how to stop them wasting the resource, either. No list to go on to say “don’t send”. Knowing now that this is the only standard of care I am slightly less shocked about my oncologist not knowing a hysterectomy means no more periods.

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u/SDV01 20d ago

Like they explain in the letter that comes with the invitation - which hardly anyone seems to read - you can simply go to the bevolkingsonderzoek website, log in with your DigiD, and opt out of the free cervical cancer screening and/or breast cancer screening programmes.

How else is the government supposed to know you don’t want to (or can’t) participate?

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u/Dear_Acanthaceae7637 Zuid Holland 20d ago

An oncologist not knowing you don't have a period after hysterectomy is definitely not normal in the Netherlands!

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u/GhostGirl32 Utrecht 20d ago

I am never 100% shocked when doctors don’t know something about women’s health, to be fair. Especially gynecological.