Contraception
Contraception is available at pharmacies, but you will need a prescription from your gynaecologist for birth control pills, IUD’s and diaphragms.
Emergency contraception is also available at pharmacies and you do not need a prescription for that.
Public Insurance (GVK) does not cover contraception costs
Maternity
Public insurance GVK, covers all maternity costs, but some private insurers only offer it as an additional cost, so make sure you know what is covered by your 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
Public Insurance (GVK) covers annual screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. You will usually need a referral (die Überweisung) from your GP, unless you are over 50, then you will get an invitation letter every 2 years for a Mammogram
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
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
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