Health, hospitals and gynecology and obstetrics clinics

Doctors specializing in gynecology and obstetrics recommend that each grown-up woman visit a gynecologist at least once a year. A routine examination should comprise smear tests, breast sonogram and, in case of women aged over 35, mammography. It is also important to perform breast self-checks between subsequent routine gynecological examinations.

Choosing a doctor or reporting for examinations may seem complicated or awkward, however, it does not need to be that way. Appointments with gynecologists, like with other specialists in Poland, may be scheduled both in state-owned and private healthcare facilities, depending on your insurance, residence status and financial situation. The issues of health insurance and healthcare in Poland has been covered here (link to the article on health insurance).

In Poland, both men and women specialize as gynecologists. However, the patient is entitled to select a doctor and if she doesn’t wish to be under the care of a man for religious, cultural or personal reasons, it should not be a problem, but the woman should clearly indicate her preferences as soon as she registers for a visit in order to avoid misunderstandings and discomfort.
The awareness of cultural differences in attitudes towards the body and femininity differs across Polish healthcare facilities. Unfortunately, it may turn out to be insufficient in certain facilities, especially in cities where migrant communities are not numerous. In order to remedy this problem, you need to clearly communicate your needs and your specific requirements, preferably at the moment of registration for a visit or at a hospital.
Routine examinations are performed at gynecological and obstetric clinics. Most clinics in Poland provide services comprising:

• doctor’s consultations and advice
• disease prevention and health promotion (including, among others, free breast examinations and training in breast self-checks)
• diagnostics (biochemical, hormonal, bacteriological and smear tests)
• therapy
• contraceptive counseling
• care of women during the menopause period
• care of pregnant women

Both public and private clinics exist in Poland. Some private establishments have signed agreements with the National Health Fund, which means that they treat holders of National Health Fund free of charge. The issues of health insurance in Poland has been covered here (link to the article on health insurance).
Some among the Polish gynecologists also have private practices. The scope of services they provide is usually similar to that offered by clinics, however, they are always paid. There is usually just one doctor receiving patients at private practices. Price lists of diagnostic tests vary between respective healthcare facilities.

There are also specialist gynecologic and obstetric hospitals in Poland. They provide assistance to women who require comprehensive diagnostic tests exceeding the routine ones, to patients who should undergo treatment or surgery, or whose health condition requires constant medical care.

Apart from emergencies which constitute a risk to the woman’s life or health, it is up to her gynecologist to decide of her hospitalization and to issue the referral. It is not possible to stay at a hospital without a referral. The doctor also provides advice on which of the hospitals in the vicinity the patient should report to. Most hospitals have websites featuring information on the examinations, treatments and surgeries available there, the specialists employed and the requirements for admittance to treatment at the facility. The Quality Monitoring Centre and the “Rzeczpospolita” newspaper publish an annual ranking of hospitals in Poland. It may be used as an indicator for the choice of facility for treatment.

Below, you will find a list of documents and personal effects which a woman may need during her stay at a gynecological hospital:

• Test results:
  • declaration regarding possible allergy to drugs,
  • information regarding blood group,
  • sonogram results,
  • last results of blood work and urine tests,
  • possibly: other diagnostic tests performed during the pregnancy.

• Documents:
  • identity card or other proof of identity, e.g. passport,
  • document confirming the validity of the insurance,
  • Tax Identification Number (NIP) of the employer or of the woman, if she conducts economic activity,
  • referral to the hospital (not applicable to the delivery and to urgent cases).

• Personal effects:
  • comfortable nightwear,
  • dressing gown,
  • socks,
  • slippers,
  • toiletries (soap, shampoo, sponge),
  • towel,
  • paper towels.

What should you do if you suspect that you are pregnant?

Of course, you should consult a gynecologist as soon as possible, however, it is advisable that you perform a pregnancy test before. Pregnancy tests in Poland are available without prescription at any pharmacy, at a cost of PLN 7-20. They are easy to use and contain instructions. Most tests reveal pregnancy after c.a. 18 days of conception. The first doctor's appointment should be scheduled between week 6 and 8 of the pregnancy. You can learn more about pregnancy management and delivery in case of migrant women in Poland here (in the article: A Child in Poland).

The best gynecological and obstetric wards in Poland.