Contraception
Contraception is a vital aspect of reproductive healthcare, and it is readily available at pharmacies. However, to obtain birth control pills, IUDs, and diaphragms, you will need a prescription from your trusted gynaecologist. It’s always best to consult with a medical professional to determine which contraception method would be most suitable for you based on your health history and lifestyle.
In case of emergencies, pharmacies do stock emergency contraception, which is easily accessible without a prescription. It’s important to note that emergency contraception should not be used as a regular form of contraception, but rather for unplanned or unprotected intercourse situations.
It’s essential to keep in mind that Public Health Insurance (GVK) does not cover contraception costs. Therefore, it’s advisable to discuss the cost implications of any contraception method you choose during your consultation with your healthcare provider.
Maternity
When it comes to maternity costs, it’s important to know what your health insurance plan covers. Public Health insurance (GVK) is a great option as it covers all maternity costs. However, it’s important to note that some private insurers may only offer maternity coverage as an additional cost. That’s why it’s crucial to review your insurance plan thoroughly to ensure that you have the coverage you need during one of the most important times of your life. Don’t leave anything to chance, take the time to research and understand your insurance plan.
Maternity Terminology
We created a searchable table to help you look up the German words you might need during and after your pregnancy.
Having a baby in Germany
Thinking of starting or expanding your family in Germany? Luckily the standard of German healthcare is very high and Germany has great maternity and paternity
Screening
In Germany, public health insurance (GVK) covers comprehensive annual screenings for cervical, breast, and ovarian cancer. To get a mammogram, you typically need a referral (die Überweisung) from your gynecologist or general practitioner. If you’re over 50, you will receive an invitation every two years for a mammogram, ensuring regular, proactive health care. Private health insurance coverage varies depending on the individual plan.
For further details, you can refer to resources about health insurance coverage in Germany.
Finding a Doctor
Finding a doctor can be a challenge especially if you are looking for an English-speaking doctor.
Specialists in gynaecology and obstetrics are called “Frauenarzte” and “Gynäkologe” and are the central contact persons for gender-specific diseases and other women’s concerns, such as Pregnancy, menstruation, family planning, contraception and preventive care.
The following websites can help in your search
- Jameda
- Med kolleg
- Doctolib – can also book your appointment here
Your Gynea visit
In Germany, visiting a gynaecologist (Frauenarzt/Frauenärztin) can be quite different from what South African women are used to, especially when it comes to modesty and medical approach. German doctors tend to have a more clinical and practical view of nudity, often expecting patients to undress completely from the waist down/up without much fuss. Unlike in South Africa, where gowns or sheets might be provided for modesty, German gynaecologists typically conduct examinations without such coverings. Some women find this direct approach efficient, while others may feel exposed.
Vocabulary
| English | German |
|---|---|
| birth control pills | die Antibabypille |
| Hormones | die Hormone |
| Infertility | die Unfruchtbarkeit |
| coil | die Spirale |
| condom | das Kondom |
| breasts | die Brüste |
| vagina | die Scheide |
| Pelvic floor | der Beckenboden |
| uterus | die Gebärmutter |
| menstruation | die Menstruation |
| Thyroid | die Schilddrüse |
| fallopian tube | die Eileiter |
| pregnancy | die Schwangerschaft |
| egg | das Ei |
| induced labour | die eingeleitete Geburt |
| waters broken | die Fruchtblase ist geplatzt |
| placenta | die Plazenta |
| episiotomy | der Dammschnitt |
| epidural | die Epiduralanästhesie |
| cervix | der Gebärmutterhals |
| Mammogram | das Mammogram |
| Ultrasound | Ultraschalluntersuchung |
| Pap Smear | Pap-Abstrich |
| Gynaecologist | der Gynägeloge die Gynägelogin der Frauenarzt die Frauenarztin |
| Endocrinology | die Endokrinologie |
Resources on the web
- Federal Ministry of Health
- The Federal Joint Committee – decision-making body of the joint self-government of physicians, dentists, hospitals and health insurance funds in Germany.
- Deutsche Menopause Gesellschaft
Related content
Emergency Contacts
The following numbers can be dialled in an emergency, either from a landline or mobile phone. 112The national emergency number. This can be used for any medical or fire/smoke/explosives emergency. It can also be dialled when someone is trapped or if you witnessed a suicide attempt 110The national police force.
Mental health support
Moving can be such an exciting experience, but leaving your familiar surroundings and support networks behind can also be quite unnerving and stressful.It is very important to find or set up your support structures as soon as possible.Try to keep in contact with your mental health care professionals in South
Parental allowance in Germany (Elterngeld)
Financial security for your growing family. Because those first moments matter the most. Elterngeld, also known as Parental Allowance, is designed to compensate for the loss of income when parents take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. This benefit
Visiting a doctor
Navigating Healthcare in Germany Visiting a doctor in Germany can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding how the system works will help you feel confident and prepared. When I first arrived in Germany, I was fortunate to travel back to South Africa frequently. I relied on that to manage my
You must be logged in to post a comment.