AIBU to think I don’t need to go to the gynaecologist every year?!

[Watchagotcha]

I live in France but am from the UK. I was out with some friends last night - some French, mostly Brits who’ve been here a lot longer than me. We got talking about various medical issues, and it transpires that pretty much all my friends go to see their gynaecologist every year! I’m not sure what for: smear tests, when they are due; breast exams; and just “making sure everything is okay”.

Is this really necessary? What kinds of conditions might they be picking up on that I wouldn’t notice and go to the dr with myself?

Do I need to see a gynaecologist yearly?
YABU = yes you do, the gynaecologist might find something that needs treated
YANBU = no, don’t be daft, go to the dr if you need to and get regular smears when they are due

I think it's six of one and half a dozen of another. I don't like going to the doctor, so I generally avoid them.

I've read so much about the prevalence of iatrogenic (medically-induced) diseases that I feel that any preventive medicine I am not getting is offset by the fact that I am avoiding iatrogenic problems.

Sixty euros a go for checking breasts and vaginas every year that have nothing wrong with them sounds like a good job for someone, especially if they start young.🤔

I agree it's probably depends on what you're used to and there is likely vast differences even within countries. I'm from the US, and I was raised that annual gynae visits were for women renewing their birth control pill prescription to check for issues and change if needed. My mother discussed hers regularly, how it annoyed her but not as much as babies. Check-ups for check-ups sake outside of the dentists, that sounds expensive (and to my Midwestern mind, sounds like a coastal thing or a posh/government job benefit).

I don't think its U to not think it's needed, but also not U to prefer to have it annually. I probably wouldn't, but I feel I've had enough transvaginal ultrasounds and medical fuck-ups for one lifetime. I might consider a general check-up and blood tests with nurse practitioner, only because the ones I've seen so far have been near magic fantastic at helping me end cycles of problems and getting the right treatments in place.

Sixty euros a go for checking breasts and vaginas every year that have nothing wrong with them

Excellent post. Both factually incorrect and contains an idiotic argument!

The cost of a visit to a gynecologist is 30 or 23 euros of which 70% is covered by the carte vitale. What charges do you propose? If the doctor finds nothing wrong you get 50% of the cost back, but if you have cancer you pay a bonus?

Excellent post. Both factually incorrect and contains an idiotic argument!

Not at all. It is someone’s dream job.

Not at all. It’s someone’s dream job

Sure, why not make it your dream job come true? It’s really easy to qualify and then you just sit back and watch the cash roll in.