How To Get Birth Control In Germany

From contraception and pregnancy to cancer screenings and back up services, we explain all you lot need to know about sexual health in Germany.

Fortunately for expats moving to Deutschland, the country boasts a reputable healthcare system that enables relatively easy access to sexual health services. Therefore, they tin rest assured that they are in rubber hands in one case they have gear up their new life in the country.

That said, information technology can feel daunting to navigate all the medical channels in Frg; especially if you don't speak German and face a linguistic communication barrier. And so, to help you lot become to grips with it, this guide covers all the basics of sexual and reproductive health in Germany, including the following:

• Attitudes towards sex and sexuality in Germany
• Accessing sexual health services in Frg
• Insurance for sexual and reproductive healthcare
• Contraception in Germany
• Pregnancy and childbirth in Germany
• Ballgame in Germany
• STIs and STDs in Germany
• Erectile dysfunction handling in Federal republic of germany
• Feminine hygiene products in Germany
• Cancer screenings in Germany
• Services dealing with sexual problems in Federal republic of germany
• Services dealing with sexual abuse and attack in Federal republic of germany
• Young people's sexual health in Germany
• LGBT+ sexual health in Deutschland
• Useful resources

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COVID-xix in Deutschland

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a hard fourth dimension for everyone. Many expats find themselves separated from family and loved ones in their home countries. Every bit a foreigner, it is as well sometimes difficult to observe disquisitional information regarding coronavirus infection rates, local measures, and restrictions, and now, thankfully, vaccinations.

• For general coronavirus information in Federal republic of germany, including vaccination schedules, visit the government'southward website, Zusammen Gegen Corona.
• For official COVID-19 measures, rules, and restrictions, consult our guide to COVID-19 in Frg.

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Attitudes towards sex and sexuality in Federal republic of germany

Compared to other countries worldwide and even throughout Europe, Germany has a reputation for being a 'liberal' nation when it comes to full general attitudes towards sex and sexuality. In fact, information technology ranks highly as a sexually satisfied nation and has some of the about comprehensive sexual practice-didactics programs in the world.

Luckily for those who telephone call the country abode, it also has a high-quality healthcare system, which offers like shooting fish in a barrel admission to a range of sexual wellness services. In fact, the World Wellness Arrangement (WHO) ranks it in 25th place out of 191 countries worldwide.

Accessing sexual wellness services in Deutschland

All foreigners living and working in Frg can admission subsidized state healthcare, which covers a wide variety of sexual health services. However, before they can exercise and so, they must have some course of health insurance. They can either annals with a statutory High german health insurance scheme (gesetzliche Krankenkasse – GVK) or a private insurance scheme (privateKrankenversicherung – PVK).

While the vast majority of German workers remain on the German health insurance scheme, some expats choose to take out more extensive private wellness insurance. This can offer more extensive services and shorter waiting times. But regardless of whether yous use a private or public scheme, German wellness insurance contributions are carve up betwixt employers and employees.

Once you lot accept insurance, you tin can access a vast network of practitioners that provide sexual wellness services throughout Germany. General practitioners can generally address bones issues and refer their patients to specialist doctors when necessary. They can as well bear HIV and STI tests and screenings.

Gynecologists besides bargain with many aspects of women's health, including sexual health, and can carry out a wide range of consultations and procedures. Typically, all gynecologists will have both private and public insurance and don't require a referral from a doctor. You can but call i up in your surface area or get a recommendation from a friend.

Local sexual health services

Aside from doctors, local pharmacies (Apotheken) can provide basic information and counseling regarding minor problems such as yeast infections or vaginal dryness. In this case, they may recommend over-the-counter remedies. Pharmacies as well sell sexual health items such every bit condoms, pregnancy tests, and lubricants. Many drugstore chains in Deutschland also stock these items.

Meanwhile, diverse governmental and not-profit organizations such as ProFamilia provide consultations and assistance with sexual health issues, including nascency control and AIDS. Liebesleben can besides aid yous detect services and practitioners through its website which has English language navigation. The system tin also help those who don't accept German insurance notice complimentary or depression-cost services. This includes things like neighborhood clinics that perform gratuitous HIV testing or provide gratis birth control counseling.

Insurance for sexual and reproductive healthcare

Notably, if you lot are an EU denizen and autumn ill during a temporary stay in Federal republic of germany, you can utilize your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access urgent sexual healthcare. This should cover the costs of emergencies or issues, such as visiting a doctor to go handling for a UTI. Nonetheless, only bear in mind that your EHIC carte du jour will not comprehend specialized treatments or private care for sexual health matters in Germany.

Otherwise, all residents in Germany must have some grade of health insurance, exist information technology public or individual. All German language health insurance provides extensive coverage for many sexual health services. Therefore, yous can rest assured that you are in rubber hands.

Public versus private wellness insurance

Public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse – GVK) is more than mutual in Germany and covers most people in paid employment. It sometimes covers their family members also, as well as pensioners and the unemployed. Public insurance also covers many screenings and tests and generally takes intendance of services related to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Information technology also can cover or subsidize some forms of nascency control.

Private insurance (privateKrankenversicherung – PVK), on the other manus, is less common and is typically required (or preferred) by certain higher earners. Information technology is too available to those who adopt to have it, such as the cocky-employed or civil servants. While private wellness insurance has higher tariffs, it does have some central benefits. For instance, it may comprehend some – or all of – the costs of sexual health treatments that fall under the category of 'alternative medicine'. This includes things like homeopathy and acupuncture. Therefore, if you think you might require this, it could be worth considering.

There are a number of private health insurance companies operating in Germany. These include large multinational insurers as well as local German providers, offer total and supplementary policies. German health insurance providers include:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global
• Globality Health
• ZAVA

Y'all can compare individual wellness insurance providers in Germany and go free quotes on our special wellness insurance folio, and with tools such every bit GKV and PVK (in German).

Contraception in Frg

If y'all live in Frg, you volition have access to a diversity of contraceptive measures and education. This is partly why the land has loftier rates of contraceptive usage and a relatively depression teenage pregnancy rate.

Here is a list of the diverse forms of contraception available in the land:

• The birth command pill – subsidized past all German health insurance, and is prescribed past a gynecologist; a pack of pills costs approximately €20 for a 3-calendar month supply
• Condoms – available in any drugstore, chemist's, and sometimes grocery stores, costing approximately fifty cents per piece
• The copper IUD – costs between €130 and €450 for initial placement, as well as some partial costs for check-ups
• The hormonal IUD – costs between €300 and €400 for placement and partial costs for bank check-ups
• Birth command injections – these toll around €40 and are administered every 12 weeks
• The nativity control implant – lasts upwardly to three years and costs around €300
• The nascency control ring – costs around €fifteen per slice
• Nativity control plasters – cost effectually €15 per piece
• The diaphragm – costs about €50, plus additional costs for spermicide
• Vasectomies and hysterectomies – these are surgical procedures and can cost betwixt €500 and €1,000
• The morning time-afterward pill – available at all German pharmacies without a prescription

Family unit planning services

Federal republic of germany is also dwelling to an assortment of family planning services where sexual health practitioners, such equally gynecologists, tin offering consultations well-nigh contraceptive utilise. There are also various non-profit organizations, such every bit ProFamilia, that provide gratuitous or low-cost counseling.

Pregnancy and childbirth in Germany

Whether you opt for public or private health insurance, you tin rest assured that you are in rubber hands when it comes to having a baby in Germany. Both options will cover all visits to your gynecologist throughout your pregnancy. They will also embrace the costs of a midwife (Hebamme) who tin can conduct a number of prenatal cheque-ups and perform postpartum firm visits to cheque up on you and your babe.

However, while public insurance covers almost standard procedures and the three major ultrasounds during pregnancy, it doesn't cover all tests or ultrasounds. For example, yous will need to pay out of pocket for certain things like a toxoplasmosis test or NIPT screening. If you lot have individual health insurance, you should check your pregnancy testing coverage with your provider beforehand.

Delivery options in Germany

In that location are 3 options for giving birth in Germany: in a hospital, in a nascence center, or at domicile. For the latter options, you will need to take a low-hazard pregnancy in order to gain approval from a midwife. Public insurance volition cover a stay at a hospital in Germany, but non the costs for a private room. Some private insurance, on the other manus, may cover this.

Both public and private insurance will cover office of the costs of a birth heart or home birth. However, you will typically demand to make a token payment of between €300 and €600. Insurance will also embrace the cost of a half dozen-week postpartum check-up by a gynecologist.

Insurance will as well comprehend visits from your Hebamme for approximately two to iii weeks postpartum, and sometimes farther visits for breastfeeding issues. However, you lot volition need to pay a lactation consultant (Stillberater/in) yourself.

Notably, if you want to arrange private health insurance for your baby, you should contact your insurance provider while yous are meaning to sort out the paperwork beforehand.

Abortion in Germany

Abortion is somewhat of a complicated topic in Federal republic of germany. Theoretically, it is illegal but permitted under certain circumstances. These include having an ballgame in the commencement trimester after a mandatory counseling session, if the pregnancy was a event of sexual assault, or if the pregnancy could cause grievous harm to the woman'southward mental or physical health.

Theoretically, a woman getting an ballgame could encounter criminal prosecution, unless she fulfills certain legal criteria such as receiving ballgame counseling and having the process performed past a medical professional. Typically, the first step is to talk to a trusted gynecologist or see with a sexual health non-profit similar ProFamilia.

An anti-abortion demonstration in Munich

Notably, there has been pushback in recent years regarding the legal condition of ballgame in Germany. While there have been many anti-abortion demonstrations beyond the country in contempo years, there accept too been public protests to get in completely legal. Even so, one major result is the general lack of practitioners who have training in and are willing to perform the procedure in Deutschland.

STIs and STDs in Germany

Germany boasts relatively depression STI and STD rates in the developed world and ranks among the lowest countries in Western Europe. The most common STIs and STDs in Frg are MGEN, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. At that place has been a slight ascension in cases of syphilis in the last few years, but overall, this notwithstanding remains depression.

Your gynecologist, urologist, or Hausarzt (full general practitioner) tin can test you for STIs and STDs, simply you will almost likely have to pay for this yourself. That said, you may be able to get the tests covered by insurance if there are symptoms. Alternatively, you can order at-home STI testing kits, which generally cost between €39 and €60. There are besides some walk-in clinics throughout the land that provide low-cost or gratuitous testing.

If y'all test positive, you volition demand to seek treatment from a specialist or ask your Hausarzt to refer you to one. Mostly, treatment will involve antibiotics or anti-parasite therapies, and most medications for STIs and STDs are covered by insurance.

HIV/AIDS in Germany

Frg has particularly depression HIV/AIDS rates, which is largely thanks to splendid HIV/AIDS educational activity, good access to contraception, and high-quality wellness services. Whatever Gesundheitsamt (public health service agency) will exam you lot for free and anonymously. General practitioners can also perform HIV/AIDS tests. Additionally, HIV self-tests are available for purchase at Apotheken (pharmacies) or online.

The Christopher Street Day (CSD) LGBTQ+ celebration and demonstration in Berlin

Public wellness insurance covers HIV treatments and medications, simply patients who are privately insured may but be able to admission base of operations-rate insurance policies if they have HIV. Therefore, non every treatment will exist covered. In that location are many organizations in Germany that can help people living with HIV/AIDS. And currently, at that place are no travel restrictions for anyone with HIV/AIDS planning to enter Frg.

Erectile dysfunction treatment in Germany

If you are experiencing bug with erectile dysfunction, the first place to seek help is from your general practitioner (Hausarzt). They can prescribe medication for erectile dysfunction, or refer you to a specialist if required.

Some treatments in Germany include medication, an implant, vacuum therapy, and psychotherapy. Some of these may exist covered by public or private insurance, but you lot should talk to both your doctor and your insurance provider nigh the costs beforehand.

Feminine hygiene products in Germany

Frg offers a wide suit of feminine hygiene products, which are available in drugstores or the local Apotheke (pharmacy). Products for purchase include tampons and disposable pads, menstrual cups, fabric pads, and period underwear.

As of 2020, Deutschland has done away with the luxury tax on feminine hygiene products. The cost of these items has theoretically dropped since then. Insurance doesn't cover the costs of feminine hygiene products in Germany; therefore, it might be worth looking into reusable options like menstrual cups or cloth pads. Not just do reusable options save money, only they are as well more environmentally friendly.

Cancer screenings in Germany

Germany ranks in 15th identify amongst countries with the 50 highest cancer rates in the world, bookkeeping for 313.1 per 100,000 people. Co-ordinate to information, at that place were 628,519 new cases in 2020, affecting the breast (69,697), prostate (67,959), lung (64,804), colon (57,528), and bladder (35,147).

Germany instituted a National Cancer Prevention Week in 2019 to enhance awareness about diverse types of cancer. Additionally, many individual institutions for specific cancers place billboards or awareness posters throughout the country at various times of the year.

How to get screened for cervical cancer

A gynecologist will typically conduct a screening for cervical cancer on a yearly ground starting at age twenty. The scientific committee Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) recommends that boys and girls betwixt the ages of 9 and 14 have the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is covered by all insurance in Frg and is administered by a child'south Kinderarzt (pediatrician).

Screening for breast cancer

Breast cancer is the near common form of women'due south cancer in Germany, but only 1% of cases involve men. Gynecologists offer women aged 30 and upwardly an annual palpation cheque-upwards, which all insurance covers. Women aged 50 and upward are eligible for an annual mammogram, which is performed past a gynecologist and is also covered past all health insurance.

However, at that place is no specific screening process for men. If you are male and concerned that you may have breast cancer, the first thing yous should do is consult your Hausarzt. If you are considered to be high-risk and have a family history of breast cancer, yous should talk to a gynecologist well-nigh additional screening possibilities.

Screening for ovarian cancer

There are approximately 7,300 deaths a year from ovarian cancer in Deutschland. Tragically, ovarian cancer is usually just discovered in its later stages. Screenings for ovarian cancer in Federal republic of germany are relatively rare, and typically only carried out if at that place are symptoms or specific concerns. However, if at that place is a legitimate concern well-nigh ovarian cancer, and so both public and private insurance will cover the screening costs.

Screening for prostate cancer

Annually, there are around 60,000 prostate cancer diagnoses and approximately 12,000–14,000 deaths from the illness in Germany. For men aged 45 and upwards, all insurance covers the price of a bones rectal screening. Notwithstanding, for a more avant-garde prostate cancer screening, y'all will typically have to pay for this yourself. That said, information technology may exist possible to get some of the screening costs reimbursed by insurance. You lot should talk to your Hausarzt or a urologist near this directly.

Screening for testicular cancer

There are around 4,000 cases of testicular cancer per year in Germany. As of now, the only testicular cancer screening in Germany is a general check-upwardly of the genitals and prostate for men aged 45 and older. All the same, if you lot have concerns about testicular cancer, you can consult your Hausarzt about arranging additional exams and testing.

Screening for penile cancer

Penile cancer is relatively rare in Germany, with less than 950 diagnosed cases per year. There is currently no specific screening for penile cancer within the German healthcare system. Men aged 45 and above are entitled to an annual digital screening of their genitals and prostate. At this screening, the doctor (typically your Hausarzt or full general practitioner) will also briefly cheque for any concerning symptoms that might indicate the possibility of penile cancer.

Services dealing with sexual problems in Germany

Germany has a broad diversity of services if you lot are dealing with sexual problems; ranging from vaginismus to issues having an orgasm. For some issues such as vaginal dryness, you may even be able to get some over-the-counter advice and product recommendations at your local Apotheke (pharmacy). However, if the trouble is more astringent, you should consult your gynecologist, urologist, or general practitioner.

A pharmacy in Neckargemünd, Germany

When information technology comes to sexual bug that are a combination of concrete and psychological, or purely psychological, in that location are a few types of resource that you tin turn to. For example, there are a number of not-profit organizations, such every bit Pro Familia, that offer counseling.

If y'all need or want to run into a sex therapist, you will typically need an Uberweisung (a written referral) from your gynecologist or urologist, or sometimes your general practitioner. Whether you have public or individual wellness insurance, you lot should check to see how many sessions it will encompass and the length of handling.

Services dealing with sexual abuse and assault in Germany

When a person experiences sexual attack or rape in Germany, the aggressor is subject to criminal police force. In the event that someone experiences bodily harm, the person is also entitled to victim's compensation; as per the Victims Bounty Act (Opferentschädigungsgesetz – OEG).

Germany has a free telephone hotline for violence confronting women called the Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen. It offers 24/vii help in 17 languages including English. In that location is also a database where you lot can find gratis counseling services for sexual assault throughout the country.

Both the victim of a sexual assault and any witnesses can file a criminal complaint. When physical evidence of the criminal offence exists, the police will typically want to use it as part of the case. If a victim sees a doctor later on the assault, that can also become role of the prove.

Young people'due south sexual health in Germany

Since 1992, sex education has been mandatory in High german schools. Nevertheless, the age at which sex education starts tin can range from one Bundesland (federal state) to another. Topics typically include sexual reproduction, STDs, and general sexual health. Sex didactics continues on into puberty every bit children go out Grundschule (elementary schoolhouse).

Older children and teenagers learn most sex and sexuality in a more in-depth mode as they progress through their school years. Along the way, they will learn about salubrious relationships, consensual sex, LGBT+ sexuality, and contraception. This may come up as a bit of a shock to parents from more than conservative countries, however, it has a positive payoff. For instance, teenage pregnancy rates in Frg are fairly low, specially when compared to other European countries.

Germany likewise has lower rates of boyish STD infections compared to many other Western countries. This is partly due to like shooting fish in a barrel access to contraception among adolescents, also as a societal acceptance of safe sexual practice among consenting partners.

Overall, sexual health for young people in Deutschland is quite good, and as a parent, this can exist reassuring to hear.

Sexual wellness service for youth in Germany

Too having sex education at school, youngsters in Deutschland accept access to a range of sexual health services, many of which are confidential. Organizations such as Condrobs and Pro Familia tin can provide counseling to teenagers. Hither, they can speak to a professional most their sexual questions or concerns, as well as seek advice well-nigh contraception. Additionally, many gynecologists and urologists, as well as Kinderarzte (pediatricians) can provide advice and counseling to minors regarding their sexual wellness and safety. This is also covered by all wellness insurance.

LGBT+ sexual health in Germany

Same-sexual practice and LGBT+ relationships are socially accepted in most of German language society. Gay wedlock was legalized in 2017, and while Frg is however a bit more conservative when it comes to the LGBT+ customs than, say, the Netherlands, many people who identify as LGBT+ experience welcome and at home while living there. It is also illegal to discriminate confronting someone for their sexual identity in Germany. Furthermore, there are certain cases of asylum in Germany due to LGBT+ identity. This includes refugees from countries where homosexuality is illegal.

The Dear Parade in Hamburg

Any member of the LGBT+ community is entitled to the same level of medical care and legal protections as any other German resident. However, resources and service centers that specifically cater to the community are primarily in major cities. Some examples of these include Checkpoint BLN in Berlin and Lesbisch-Queeres Zentrum Munchen in Munich. In addition to providing sexual wellness services and counseling, the centers can exist an excellent resource for community building.

Useful resources

• STIKO (Robert Koch Found) – the official website of the German language committee on vaccines, with information in German and English
• Liebesleben – offers resources on sexual wellness in Germany, including search portals to help y'all discover professional consultations
• BZGA – the Federal Center for Health Education in Germany, which provides information on sexual health, women's health, and vaccines
• Pro Familia – offers resources about sexual health for youth and adults
• Frauen Gegen Gewalt – provides information and links to resources about sexual violence confronting women in Germany
• Queer Refugees Welcome – provides information most LGBT+ asylum, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT+ rights in Germany
• STI-Clinic Berlin – one of the biggest STD/STI clinics in Germany

Source: https://www.expatica.com/de/healthcare/healthcare-services/sexual-health-germany-346099/

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