Why I had TWO surgeries in Germany [getting personal]

In this video, Jen is getting personal by sharing her medical journey to a better quality of life encouraged by the comprehensive German health care system.
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⏰ Timestamps:
00:19 - Health check-ups covered in German health insurance
01:06 - Jen's journey to a diagnosis
06:54 - First surgery
08:18 - Time between surgeries
13:30 - Second surgery
17:02 - Women health matters
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[@FernalAnthony]

As a male, I found this video not only informative, but also super caring. Thank you for sharing your health experiences, so that others may benefit.

[@sarsonder5127]

NO WAY AM I A JEN IN TERMS OF MY PERIOD. Are you kidding me? I thought every period was 7 days and half of those were strong…I am SO glad I don’t get my period anymore AND I am so glad you mentioned we don’t talk about women’s health…I kind of want to ask all my friends about their periods now.

[@hridoy8021]

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm happy that you both are doing well now. I think it's really important to talk about these things more openly. And you two surely gave the encouragement for other people to break out of these stupid taboos we've created. Thank you 😊💜

[@nael_tm]

Thank you for this video, I’ve had a somewhat similar experience but in Spain haha. Basically, I went to the gynecologist for the first time for an ultrasound because I thought it would be a good idea, just to know everything was okay. But apparently, even though I felt okay, I had a kind of big cyst in one of my ovaries. So, last June I had a lamparoscopy to remove that, the surgery actually went really well and, as you, I’m really glad I went to a check up with a gynecologist in the first place, it’s a way of taking care of my health. 😊 Now I’m waiting for the next ultrasound, which will be in about a month time, wish me luck haha. Again, thanks for being open about this topic! And also, I relate a lot to you Jen and I love your personality! 💛🌈

[@kraeuterzucker9863]

I'm really happy you are doing so much better. Since my girlfriend went through endometriosis the last two years, I was really shocked how unknown this is even for doctors since this is a pretty common thing for people with an uterus. Most patients never get diagnosed and there are very few experts or special clinics for that in germany. It drives me crazy how little we care about womens health. BUT, if you start talking with people about this issue, you will hear so many stories, we just don't realize it since most people keep it for themselves. So thank you so much, for sharing your story.

[@smu4242]

[@deliatedeschi]

Had a LASH surgery in 2019- best decision of my life! Also had the low iron, got Infusions, horrible Periods, 5 huge fibroids... Am totally happy now. Thank you for making this video- very important issue 🦋

[@aslhanakn1634]

Dear Jen, I am happy that you are better now. Last week, I was a bit worried. I developed a place in my heart for the two of you, I watch you every week and I guess I care about you guys. I am sorry that you’ve been in this situation though. Last week, I assumed it was endometriosis because that’s what I have. I am 28 and I have had extreme period pain and heavy periods. I went to the doctors, specifically asking if I had PCOS or endometriosis and they said no (for 6 years or so). This year though, a OBGYN who did internship at Yale saw me and I was diagnosed with endometriosis all or a sudden. I really wasn’t expecting it because I just went for treating a yeast infection. As a woman who was trying to be on top of my health; this shocked me. I had been having PAP smears and ultrasounds and blood work done for YEARS. How this was missed is beyond me. Also, I cannot help but say that the Turkish public health system is kind of better than Germany in some ways because we don’t need a referral in any form. You can go on the app and get an appointment (if you can find a slot of course). You would never wait in emergencies. My German partner’s aunt had to wait for a cerebral angiography for days. She travelled from a village to the city and she was not done the sugery for two days. You would never have it so in Turkey. Also, the fact that no one stays at the hospital with the patient is cruel at best. My partner had leukemia as a kid in the 80s as a child and he says that he stayed at the hospital all by himself. In Turkey, on the other hand, you wouldn’t be able to have a surgery without a companion. The hospital gives them food and everything (but also you have some patient care duties). This is one of the reasons German-Turks come here and get treatment. Of course, our hospitals are chaotic and everything. But the German health system scares me (especially being all alone without a companion for emotional support as a person who cannot speak German) 😅

[@simplegermany]

Wow super interesting! Thanks for sharing 😊 Germany should adopt this companion for surgeries policy 🙃

[@martinpahl5652]

Just to make it clear: the number of checkups described at the beginning are the general checkups you can have without having any symptoms. If you have a problem you can of course go as often as needed at any time.

[@slovenkas7733]

I was wondering! Thank you

[@hartye]

Thank you for sharing your story! It's very important to talk about those subjects! ❤

[@seeryu42]

Thanks for sharing! When we came to Germany in 2021 my partner had the same symptoms with a very heavy period, and the friendly gynecologist came to the same conclusion. Other than one mean nurse, overall had a very high quality surgery experience and quality of life is much better now.

[@andreea.andreea]

I am so glad you are well now Jen! Probably you can not imagine, but for many of us you and Ivonne feel like friends to us because we watch you constantly. Wish you both all the very best! Thank you for sharing your experience in a kind and even professional way! Both women and men have much to gain when our medical awareness increases! 🤗

[@priscilaundomiel3264]

I don't know why they didn't want to do the hysterectomy in the first place. My cousin had a problem and she had this surgery. The doctor didn't put her in a position where she would have to have surgery again. Anyway, I am glad that you are OK! My cousin is better too.. She was so bad at the time, but after the surgery she was feeling very good, her quality of life changed too.

[@hristiana444]

Thank you for sharing!

[@rishiraj2548]

Respect ++ Live healthy and grow smoooothly!!👍

[@Tirths_PandoraBox]

Kudos to you from Nürnberg for sharing your story so smoothly❤. I’m sharing this with my wife and other female friends. Thanks again.

[@manjuris22]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been putting my hysterectomy off for this very reason. Your experience gives me strength.

[@uyensonchiang2871]

Thank you for your precious sharings

[@ehemalssimehtt3739]

❤ Simple Germany ❤

[@claudiakarl7888]

Thank you for sharing your story. Consider yourself lucky that it was done early enough. I had a malign tumor in the Endometrium, the uterus, the ovaries and 10 lymph knots had to be removed when I was 41. I still have a big scar as a remembrance.

[@simplegermany]

Wow! Thanks for sharing! I hope all issues have been resolved!

[@claudiakarl7888]

@@simplegermany They have. This type of cancer and thyroid cancer are the forms that are the least dangerous, as long as they’re detected in time.

[@lilianabetetta]

Hola Jen, te agradezco tu apertura, tu honestidad y claridad para explicar este momento tan importante en tu vida. Gracias también por la reflexión que hacéis sobre la poca difusión que hay sobre este tema. Muchas gracias a las dos. Este video lo voy a distribuir entre amigas y familiares que tengo viviendo en Alemania. Un abrazo

[@1memo1717]

thank you really for this very informative video regarding women wellbeing and health in general. i had to go for similar operation but only had three fibroid around one of my ovaries. going to the surgery with the expectation of a possible removal of this particular ovary i was completely shocked to be informed after the surgery that what actually the doctors had done was a full Hystoctomy. with no knowledge of the aftermath of such big operation, and all the side effects of loosing the female hormones ( estrogen) i was in a very bad shape. i didn't suffer any heavy periods before nor abnormal pains. i only was scared to have a cancerous disease. I come from Kuwait, you can tell how women are kept in the dark a bout their health care and their wellbeing. the Only because i know some MD's who thankfully advised me what to do next otherwise i would be really suffering from loosing the vital Estrogen. I hope women around the word be enlightened about their health not just how to produce children. luckily I am not interested to have kids of my own. i was 46 when i had my operation. thank you again 🥰🥰

[@parisssss.e]

Many thanks for sharing your story and talking about this

[@seamusp5991]

So glad you’re feeling well!

[@WiederAnfangbt]

Thank you so much for sharing you journey.

[@samantha-pm1ks]

Thank you both again for such a straight forward presentation of information. Your personal experiences add much credence to your posts and the variety of topics are very much appreciated. You certainly do help us transition more smoooothly.

[@lilly6766]

Loved this! Please talk more about female health. I also love personal (not private) content and vlogs. If you want to branch out. Do another channel or a podcast.

[@sanciacarvalho9903]

So proud of you!

[@enishaeshwar7617]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm so glad to hear Jen is happy and full of energy

[@Freinersen]

You guys are awesome. Nothing but respect.

[@diamondbroccoli1342]

This video would be very helpful for people with the same issue. Thank you

[@aliciadelasmaravilla]

Thank you for talking about this. It’s been very informative

[@MetalBere]

Glad you are doing well

[@sathyabalakrishnan]

Very good research and thanks for sharing it.

[@alpo2smith]

Thank you for sharing ladies. You will help many families out there with information like this. I love socialized medicine. Can you imagine how expensive this would have been in the United States.

[@jhessicalmoreira]

What an amazing video! Thanks for sharing your story, Jen. Very encouraging indeed.

[@turjo119]

Thank you sharing this. Perhaps it doesn't apply to me but it could be possible it may apply to a loved one in the future so I'm glad that I'm informed!

[@turjo119]

Also once again Guatamala and my homeland Bangladesh have way more in common and sadly its the things that limit our societies from being more open and progressive and I mean in a pure medical sense in the context of this video. I don't even want to mention how awful it is back home for the women in my family or friends to visit doctors in general. On top of that this whole idea of being informed about reproductive health is still seen as taboo as well and it really upsets me

[@turjo119]

Again i stress that the fact that perhaps the contents do not apply to me but I know too many who are affected and I'm glad at least now I live in a country where I can approach these matters in a rationale manner without fear of ridicule or shame

[@Voronochka262]

Dear Jen, thank you for sharing your story. In December 2021, the doctor thought I had a fibroid, but after she ordered an MRI for me, it turned out to most likely be adenomyosis (like endometriosis). I had had to have a blood transfusion when I was 15 because of anemia, and had a huge cyst removed in 2016. Hormones seem to be working so far, but I probably will be facing a hysterectomy sometime down the line

[@simplegermany]

Glad the treatment has been working so far! I wish you all the best ☺️

[@rikegrebneff8887]

Thanks for being so candid. There is not enough information and too much of a stigma around the topic of menstruation and female reproductive system disorders.

[@sthephlepiz]

Thank you for this video girls very informative

[@indagar]

Es freut mich sehr, dass alles mit deiner Behandlung gut geklappt hat. 💜💜💜

[@joannunemaker6332]

I'm so glad all turned out well. Having your procedure is a big decision.

[@roswithatausiani9283]

Super topic !!

[@dinakaicer1986]

Thank you for sharing this. I have been dealing with health constraints lately and I know how much talking about these experiences is super important. I wish more people would share theirs online for the benefit of others.

[@nickgrebneff7137]

Wow such a candid video. Well done ladies! Hopefully this encourages others to take action and to not feel any shame about making sure to look after their health! And Jen, glad to hear you are feeling much better now!

[@taticavazotti3368]

Thank you for sharing your story! It is very informative❤

[@mollyjones4165]

My mother has the same health issues - uterine fibroids and anemia. She had to get a hysterectomy and has had treatments for anemia on and off for years. She still takes iron pills.

[@harleyd9857]

Yea I know several girl’s that have had this same surgery because of the same problems you described.

[@alyssawaywardAF]

Hi Jen. So sorry you had to deal with fibroids. I had a grapefruit-sized fibroid removed in 2016. So grateful to have it gone, open abdominal myomectomy. Agree it was hard to find information about fibroids and a surgeon who would do the fibroid removal, not a hysterectomy, although everyone’s situation is different. Thank you for spreading awareness.

[@fannychristozova8158]

I'm really happy for you, Jen!! That it's now past and behind you. Quite the moments there, for both of you! First of all, you did your research and you've elaborated on that with a doctor very thoroughly. This alone isn't a thing many people do. I myself derive from an all doctors family, with my grandfather being a very renowned gynecologist, so I know when I say that your attitude has made you a really good patient. Informed AND actually listening. Both of you. Very good that you also had symptoms - on time. It's important for every woman to also note the colors of her period, especially how it begins and ends, as these could be signs for anything alarming, despite and beyond the length itself. But speaking of the length, mine is just like Yvonne's, and I must argue a seven-day-long period is an indication of what is a strong(er) period. 😅 Also, it's crazy, I didn't know how common and frequent this procedure is among women! And you've had these fibrosis/myom happen now with modern medecine. Just imagine. On a side note, this video's story is once more astonishing as to how perfect are you for each other! Many often people meet disagreement on this and that potentially ends them. You can figure what I'm referring to. It's really good to see you open up and be fine, now that we know... that we knew nothing! And the energy levels side effect, combined with no more period is a Wow of a positive blast. I envie you.😄Stay healthy! You are loved. 🌟

[@Blackmountaingal1]

I am happy to hear you are feeling back to your old self! I, had a similar experience and the reason for the increased energy is you are no longer dealing with heavy periods. Thus, no loss of iron....

[@mariaemiliasantana7702]

Thank you for sharing your story, not only for us to learn more about the German health system but also to get more women to talk about our health, specially involving menstrual and reproductive health!

[@paolamucino7842]

THANKS A MILLION TIMES! I don't have an issue like yours, but I do have a sexual pain condition called dyspaurenia, and I have been very vocal about it in my social circle which lead to finding out 4 women close to me are also experiencing sexual pain!!! I was shocked, even though my doctor (a sexual wellness therapist) told me is extremely common, and I read the same in a book she recommended, I just never imagined it would be women in my life struggling with the same issue. We do need to talk about this more. Our feminine health is important, and in many cases, it can literally save a life. Thanks for being open and sharing all this info. It also helps me because I do not want children either, and I finally, at 38, was heard, and I am now in the process of scheduling a surgery.

[@simplegermany]

Wow thanks for sharing your story! It’s so true that some things are so common, it’s just that we don’t talk about it. I’m glad to read you’re on the road to recovery and hope all works out well ☺️

[@lissalack1490]

Excellent video, Jen. This is such an important topic for women to know about. Thank you both so much ,even though it is your personal information it is wonderful you are sharing.I know as a woman I also didn't know all the info you shared about fibroids and the consequences..

[@mina_en_suiza]

What's really important, is to raise awareness for women's health. Fortunately, in my family, open talk was common, about period pains, flow (blood and normal) etc, and it was also with my ex (who happens to be from Argentina) with whom I've been together for almost 20 years. Therefore, I was pretty shocked when I found out that my current partner (a Swiss woman) was far less aware of female body functions and anatomy than I, who is not even cis woman. I know several cases of women with fibroids, and two of them tried to treat them at the early stages with "alternative" medicine. Just don't!!! Both needed a hysterectomy in the end, when it could have been possibly avoided with limited surgery, and one almost died. What surprised me about your medical history is that they didn't schedule you for an MRI six months after the first surgery. At least, here in Switzerland, this would be common practice.

[@urvashinegi1832]

Thank you for this video ❤️ and I’m really glad you decided to share this with us and that you are doing well! I agree, that I was at first also shocked about the preventative checkups here but I’m glad I went to the gynaecologist because she is really nice and recommended me to get the HPV vaccine. This vaccine is not talked about and I wouldn’t have known about it had it not been for the gynaecologist

[@hanadygheriany6021]

I REALLY THANK YOU GUYS!! I have same symptoms I just figured out I have a “ strong period “! I’m kinda worried now but I hope it’s not too late and actually I was planning having baby after 2 years. IDK

[@simplegermany]

As we mention in the video, everyone is different. So best to go for a checkup with your gyno 😊

[@jennifersmith5290]

I had LASH surgery when I was 32. I am so glad I did it. The bonus is all the money I save in feminine supplies!

[@jP-yu9ie]

In the US I think us health professionals do more than is needed (for better or worse ) and patients tend to demand more as well plus it’s easier to access healthcare when you are insured (people go to the ER for anything , there are urgent care centers pretty much anywhere etc ) , my sort of experience with anemia in Germany is only based on what happened to my boyfriend’s father , he was 77 and was on blood thinners for a clot on his leg , he was found to have anemia , his primary care doctor rx Iron pills and suggested him to have a colonoscopy but wasn’t too active to have it scheduled, so the colonoscopy happened in 6 months , without a GI evaluation (which sounded crazy to me ) the colonoscopy was normal and the primary care doctor kept prescribing iron ; I told my bf that his dad should see a GI doctor but this request wasn’t honored by the house Artz who happened to be on vacation so often ; he then had another blood test and his Hemoglobin was around 6 .. so his house Artz sent him to see a blood doctor for iron infusions , I told my bf : “ no ! He needs to see GI and get a blood transfusion not IV iron as he’s anemic and on blood thinners “ .. we challenged the house Artz and called the blood doctor office just to give a heads up of what’s going on , they recommended his father should go to the ED in Darmstadt, it was a Thursday in April , by Wednesday they had found a very advanced pancreatic cancer and they recommended hospice .. information was not clear , when my bf called doctors / nurses from the US to get some answers and a plan their answer was we told your mother (who has early dementia ) so just ask your mother ( this would never happen in the US ) .. sadly his father passed away in August .. this is just my personal experience with a small town house doctor and anemia .. I hope patients are more involved w their care and if something doesn’t feel normal keep searching for answers .

[@iamabeer6558]

Respect ✨❤️

[@Seyi.O]

I heard from a friend that once a remove a fibroid. It’s best to get pregnant to prevent it from regrowing.

[@scarba]

I have an old Myom/fibroid which is calcified. I also regularly get ovarian cysts. I always go to my gynecologist twice a year. German healthcare is extremely good. I like the caring attitudes of doctors. I also got surgery, June 2020, also a benign tumour but it was my adrenal gland that got removed. It still would have killed me because it was overproducing hormones. It was very lonely without visitors. My only criticism would be that Germany does too many unnecessary surgeries, which my Prof Dr told me about. Thanks for sharing. Alle Wünsche werden klein nur um den gesund zu sein

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your story ☺️

[@Cintillo]

Thank you for sharing this, and in Spanish, they are also called miomas, I named one I had, it was called "Miosotis" because it was even more expensive than having a baby in my country lol but joking aside like you say everyone feels it differently, and it's going to sound crazy but I used to do Insanity (a type of workout) and when I jumped I felt it and went to the doctor after a month of feeling like a crazy person and tada: Miosotis was there. But it is important to always do these checkups and be aware of your body. Great video like always ♥ Hugs from Bochum!

[@karinland8533]

In German they are actually called Myome, but that is very close

[@awanderingmelody]

Well done ladies and so important! Jen, it's probably good that you had your uterus removed. I went through something similar almost 15 yrs ago, except my fibroid was so large that all they could leave was one ovary. Everything was fine until two years ago when a non-malignant mass was discovered in my right lung. I never smoked and am very healthy. Would you believe that a cell from that fibroid broke off and made its way to my lung and then grew. I had 1/3 of my lung removed. I'm happy to say that all is well and I have never felt better! I was a rare case for sure, but fibroids are no joke. To all the ladies out there, stand up for yourself and get those annual gyn. check-ups!!!

[@simplegermany]

Oh wow! That is next level. Never imagined that could also happen. Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@awanderingmelody]

@@simplegermany Yea, I was a bit of a case study. My gynecologist said that in rare cases, cells from fibroids can break off during hysterectomy surgery, not usually beforehand. I was the lucky one whose little squatter nestled in my lung pre-surgery. A spot actually showed up in the original MRI, but no one ever followed up and boom, 11 years later, 1/3 of my lung is removed. Crazy!!!!

[@jyotib29]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Glad that you're feeling better now. On kind of a similar topic, I was trying to find some information on egg freezing process in Germany. All that I could find is that it's very expensive. Is it something that you have researched?

[@simplegermany]

No, currently we have no research on that, sorry!

[@cooldeep03691]

informative

[@slovenkas7733]

I had this same issue in 2022; I was very shocked by how casually they offered to do a hysterectomy. I opted to have the fibroids removed. It was an out-patient procedure, meaning they did the procedure, I rested a few hours there, and then they sent me home. And I had to pay over $3,000 out of pocket, even though I have health insurance (in the US). Curious if you have co-pays to visit the doctor? Or surgery? Will the public health system cover the appointment if you have a medical reason for going or how does that work? I'm moving to Germany later this year and very curious. I LOVE your channel and even though the information is sometimes overwhelming, it's wonderful too and I feel lot more confident about the move. Thank you!

[@simplegermany]

Happy to hear that our content helps you prepare your move and gives you more confidence. 😊 Yes, doctor visits get covered by the German public health system. We have an entire playlist about the healthcare system in Germany, where we describe how to go to the doctor, what gets covered, etc.: kzbin.info/aero/PLnp3hGZLHcOWugMTA03dwiYebkA3uCT3v&si=2HA9XtYuLv-FQl6D

[@ishitadhariwal1050]

Hi Jen, thank you for sharing your experience. Really insightful. I've been suffering from symptoms of PCOD for a while now and wanted to connect with a gynecologist. Seeing this I am definitely wanting to get a check asap. I live in Düsseldorf too and would love to know if you have recommendations on an English-speaking gynecologist I can see. Thanks again and wish you good health.

[@simplegermany]

I've been to these two: Dr. med. Volker Tiemeier 0211 498961 g.co/kgs/Cn9yV9 And Frauenarztpraxis am Schwanenmarkt 0211 464422 g.co/kgs/5ks9Yr

[@ishitadhariwal1050]

@@simplegermany thank you so much 😊

[@muhammadsarimmehdi]

Thanks for sharing such a personal experience. Can you maybe tell us what medical insurance you were on when you had all these check-ups and surgeries? Was it TK-Insurance?

[@simplegermany]

I am with AOK, but for these checkups we mention there is no real big difference in providers.

[@shadetreader]

I'm so glad you have proper healthcare! (Unlike in the US, where I'm trapped...)

[@ansiemartin7280]

Thank you for sharing your story 🙏 I was wondering.. How does one still have a chance (10%) of getting a period if the uterus is removed and ovaries not..

[@simplegermany]

The way it was explained to me is that because my verbos remained, there might be remaining endometrial lining in my cervix, which could cause a light period.

[@RustyDust101]

As a male viewer this obviously doesn't affect me directly. Yet it is still of interest to me, just in case I notice a female friend with such symptoms in my vicinity I can still point them in your direction, or rather this video. In addition I might give the advice you have proposed here: go to your obgyn, get yourself checked, don't self medicate with iron supplements, etc. Massive kudos for talking about a natural part of science and biology that is still considered not really a taboo in Germany any more, but as something of so little interest (for many females) that their experiences aren't shared. Not out of shame (well, maybe a tiny bit; it is still the reproductive tract which is obviously linked to sex, which is inherently still a private matter), but simply because people just don't talk about it to notice when their own body's reactions fall outside the norm. There are still so many medical issues that could benefit from more open and more regular info both from private as well as medical sources. Depression and mental health, the reproductive tract, the digestive tract: all of these are simply ignored for the most part because we can't see them nor can or do we compare results/symptoms of malfunctions there regularly among friends and family. Let's just show that I am willing to relay a personal story here from the male side. After a medically necessary circumcision I discovered that my penis shrunk a bit due to the lower amount of skin extension, and left me in a state where I had problems urinating when sitting down. Not the actual release of urine, but the direction the urine flowed. For females the results are very predictable: the urinary tract always points down, thus urinating into a toilet bowl is no target practice; just let it flow, gravity does the rest. For males with a penis the direction of the urine can vary quite a bit. With a foreskin the urine may be dispersed if the foreskin is too tight, dito without a foreskin and the urethral opening being too tight. Thus the cause of 'male spray peeing' can happen with or without a foreskin without intention. So males in Germany have been mostly conditioned by their partners to sit down when urinating. Problem solved, right? HOWEVER, when the penis shrinks due to medication or a medical condition it also points more forward instead of downward. Facing forward instead of down means that when sitting down, the urethral opening points at the rim of the toilet bowl, instead of down. This may result in urinating directly under the toilet seat ridge, through the gap between bowl and seat, which may cause wetting of pants and underpants when urinating sitting down as they are usually around your ankles when sitting down. This has nothing to do with incontinence per se. As I experienced in my first month after circumcission, after which I consciously press down on the penis after sitting down to ensure a clean release. However, when I visited my elderly parents I also noticed my father often changing and drying underwear after urinating. At first I suspected him to have become slightly incontinent after medication. Soon after I noticed that I pointed out my personal situation and tried to explain it to my slightly demented father. Unfortunately it is very difficult to make him learn new things at the age of 92. So I made sure that both my sister and my mother knew about this situation and that they have to constantly remind him of the solution to this problem. We have always been very open about phyiscal medical procedures in our family. What got me that my sister mentioned that she had never thought about this problem because it simply didn't affect her directly. Yet after she had an explanation for it she had her eyes opened. Agreed, this is not a serious medical condition; more or less an inconvenience; yet it still is a problem that may affect more males because they did not dare to talk about it openly. It is good for all sexes to understand about conditions that may arise from organs they respectively do not possess; just for a more healthy understanding of each, which improves everyone's lives by a lot as it often helps to alleviate misunderstandings about each other, and may assist in giving reasonable advice.

[@simplegermany]

Wow, thank you so much for being so open and sharing your experience!! It totally opened our eyes like you said to circumstances and their consequences that we would have never even though of. We agree, more open communication free of shame or fear is the key to a better mutual understanding! 🤗

[@karinland8533]

Thank you for your open communication

[@sujithgnth]

This is very informative. Mm will definitely share this video with my wife. A question? Do I need to get a appointment with Gynaecologist via our family doctor?

[@simplegermany]

You don't need a referral from your family doctor. You can directly make an appointment with a gynaecologist.

[@sujithgnth]

@@simplegermany danke Madame :-)

[@angelecristina]

Thanks for talking about this. I was shocked with how many operations of this kind happen in Germany. I have recently been diagnosed with fibroids in December and was put on the contraceptive pill for four months. However this did not go well and I bled too often and my iron levels were really affected. I recently went back to my gynaecologist and stopped the pill and was put on a new one to initiate menopause. And here’s my question. You both said , “we don’t want that “ in your video when you mentioned menopause. May I ask why ? Is there shame around this or what did I miss? In my case it was recommended to stop the blood supply to the fibroids and stop them from growing. I have two and one grew a bit in four months. Thanks again for talking about it. Women’s health is not even scratching the surface at the moment so we’ll done for your openness and vulnerability.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing. In our opinion menopause is not just 'stopping the bleeding' but is a huge hormonal change. We try to stay away from changing our hormones as much as possible, as all of our body's system is functioning based on hormones. But of course everyone believes differently and needs to find their way to 'solve' the issue.

[@ramblingmillennial1560]

Menopause results in a lot of negative changes in the body. One big risk factor is developing Osteoporosis which leads to you losing bone density and increases your risk of breaking bones. I am shocked that they'd put you on a pill that will lead to menopause without explaining what that means. Please do as much research as you can about menopause and its side effects. I believe it may also leads to weight gain.

[@angelecristina]

@@ramblingmillennial1560 well most of us have to go through it for me it was recommended as the least invasive next step. The pill itself has supplements for osteoporosis so this wasn’t dismissed. However I am going to another gynaecologist next week who hopefully speaks English as the language barrier doesn’t help at all. Thanks for your concern.

[@ramblingmillennial1560]

​@@angelecristina I'm glad to hear you'll be seeing another gyn. Sorry you gotta go through this btw. I wish you well.

[@kshitijkolas]

How were you able to get appointment so quickly? or was that not the case?

[@simplegermany]

I was able to get an appointment with the clinic and hospital just by calling them. Since it was not an urgent surgery, I was able to schedule it a few months ahead.

[@ranjithasumesh4026]

Thanks for this video , I have been struggling to go to a gyenakologist in Düsseldorf, can you help me in finding a good gynaec in Düsseldorf who takes new patients.thanks

[@simplegermany]

Ive been to these two: Dr. med. Volker Tiemeier 0211 498961 g.co/kgs/Cn9yV9 And Frauenarztpraxis am Schwanenmarkt 0211 464422 g.co/kgs/5ks9Yr

[@baumaus9014]

Interesting. All the women in my Latine family have PCOs. Some have needed surgery, others a combo of hormone treatments, some of us only diet and exercise changes, depending on the sizes of the fibrosis. I do not dare assume, but most of my Latine friends also have PCOs. Could it have to do with our genes or something? Hope not. In any case, I'm glad to know Jen was taken care of successfully!

[@simplegermany]

Yeah, I read that women with Hispanic or African genes tend to have a higher chance of growing fibroids.

[@freckled_nomad]

I have an AOK health insurance that includes teeth treatment but when I came to my appointment with dentist, which I was waited for 2 months, the dentist told me that she can not help me because my insurance is not valid. It is not true because I know it is valid and I use it for a year now. I guess it happened because the dentist understood that I am not from Germany. Do you know any organizations that can help me in this situation? I want to complain.

[@simplegermany]

That’s weird! Have you contacted AOK? You can use a service line help buddy to get someone to help you with translating. Hope you sort it out soon! ☺️

[@freckled_nomad]

@@simplegermany Sure, I contacted AOK. I have been to AOK a lot of times and they say my Versicherung is ok. I think the problem isn't with my Versicherung but with this dentist because, when she noticed that I can't speak German very well, she became very angry, shouted at me and she was so angry that she even hit me twice on my head with her hand.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

​@@freckled_nomad you should find another dentist, and if you can report this one to AOK or even the police. NO ONE should ever treat you like that!

[@freckled_nomad]

@@WouldntULikeToKnow. I went to AOK but they told me that it's not their responsibility. I wrote a letter to Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung but they didn't answer me.

[@ramblingmillennial1560]

I'm honestly shocked that a physical exam is only covered once in 17 years between 18-35 years old.... what the hell Germany? lol Makes sense now why my bf never gets his blood pressure taken at the doctor unless he goes for a heart related thing like Palpitations. It seems like people only go to the doctor in Germany when they're sick and not just to be checked out from what I've seen. My old doctor would tell me to come every 6 months just for a check up. And they'd take my blood and urine blood pressure height and weight and would listen to my heart and lungs along with other things. I'm from the US.

[@belkacem5600]

13:19 you mean you can't right ?

[@freckled_nomad]

I am from Ukraine and I used to do total health check every year in my country. But here, living in Germany and having health insurance, I can not even get any help in the emergency room. I can not find any dentist, dermatologist and gynecologist. They refuse to treat me. When they hear that my German is not good, they understand that I am not German and they refuse to treat me. Most refugees from Ukraine have to go to Poland to get treatment. Are there any ways to convince a doctor to treat you?

[@simplegermany]

So sorry you’ve had such experiences! In which city do you live? You could try an app like doctor lib. I have never been discriminated by a doctor here in Germany for not speaking German. Sorry to read your experience has been different

[@freckled_nomad]

@@simplegermany Frankfurt Oder. Leider, I faced a lot of discrimination here.

[@deliatedeschi]

I can only talk for southern Germany- there are Bilingual (german/English speaking) doctors available. Most doctors offices here are. My non- german friends hardly ever had problems finding a doctor

[@dcooper6329]

Can you please do a guidance video for LGBTQ community in middle east and Asia africa. Because they have options to apply asylum under this law. But they are not aware how and how to get visa

[@jan-peterbrodersen3302]

You will probably very surprised the problems is well researched in all kind of mammals that don't have offspring in zoo's. An uterus that isn't used creates that kind of problem.

[@suzannes5888]

What??? This a mortifying physical check-up schedule. I was at a German ER 2 days ago (with great fully paid insurance)...I had a catastrophic blood brussure 179 /169 and Pulse at 119...and then higher....I also was told I had results from my bloodwork showing signs of an eminent stoke and brain damage via a seperate brain scan,,,,but they then said the hospital was full and dismissed me with catastrophic medicine ad my "care" and said to come back to the ER if I felt " catostrophic" ....uh , not good 🤔

[@simplegermany]

Oh that does not sound good at all!!! We hope you are better and follow up through other doctors!

[@aslhanakn1634]

As a person from Turkey, I am SHOCKED to hear this. The hospital would break and the doctors would go bonkers but they would still find a place for you. Oh my God. Get well soon.

[@suzannes5888]

@@simplegermany Thank you!

[@suzannes5888]

@Aslıhan Akın I know, I was shocked. They said I could check in to a hotel down the street, so that I would be closer to be able to get back if issues continued to escalate.🙄😒

[@karinland8533]

@@suzannes5888 do you have a Hausarzt? He/She should write a Überweisung to a clink or maby ask at you insurence for help. Sounds very wrong

[@martinbruhn5274]

I hear all the time people talking about that "nobody is talking about womens health", but as a man, I have heard more about women's health than about men's health. I don'd even really know what a prostate is. For exmple, I watched your videoabout women's health and I have watched other media, seen ads etc, but never for women's health. I can remember what symptoms are to look out for on some women's health issues, but literally nothing on men's health. Prostate cancer? I know it's a thing, but other than that literally nothing about it. It doesn't seem like that's a specifically "women's health" issues, but more broadly a "gender medicine" issue.

[@alihorda]

I think this is a general problem. People don't go to the doctor only when they have some symptoms. Doctors /clinics have to advertise checkups /tests because otherwise people don't go. Maybe for women going to gynecology is more "known" or expected but for men it is even less. Also probably because men are more stubborn or similar.

[@simplegermany]

That is very true and we agree!

[@j.a.1721]

I think your perception is a bit skewed. People will publicly talk about breast cancer but anything below the breasts is taboo IMO. Just look at the adds for period products, they won't even show anything that is red, only blue liquids etc. I am sure it is not that different for men and on top of that men are generelly less likely to talk about health issues which often means they wait longer to see a doctor. But of course you are free to make your own video :) And obviously as women those two will not know what men talk about when they are amongst themselves, so it would not have been okay for Jen and Yvonne to say don't talk about their health either because they would be talking about something they don't know enough about.