Amsterdam

Netherlands / Western Netherlands / Amsterdam

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In the Netherlands, you need a prescription to obtain hormonal birth control. Once you have a prescription, you can buy birth control pills at pharmacies. You can also get refills of birth control pills without getting a new prescription. According to Randstad, it's estimated that 40% women (ages 15-30) use birth control pills, and 5-10% use IUDS.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• If you would like to purchase condoms, they can be bought at pharmacies, supermarkets or vending machines. No prescription is required.
• To get a birth control prescription, you'll need to visit a General Practitioner (GP). Once you have a prescription, you can buy birth control pills at pharmacies ("apotheek" in Dutch). The pharmacies are typically open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m, but some are open later (until around 10 PM), and some are open on the weekends. Birth control brands that you can expect to see include Neogynon, Stediril-d, Microgynon-30, Stediril 30 and Lovette. The government covers birth control pills for women under 21 years old.
• If you're interested in the implant, it's available in the Netherlands. If you're over 21 and want your costs refunded, you'll need to purchase an additional health coverage package to include the implant.

Costs

An appointment with a GP will cost about €30. If you have Dutch health care, the GP appointment cost will probably be reimbursed.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In the Netherlands, you can buy emergency contraception ("the morning after pill") without a prescription.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, and it's available in the Netherlands. Copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.

Below, you'll find information on available EC options in the Netherlands. Much of this information was found on the Princeton EC website.

Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin You should take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

• ellaOne (This used to require a prescription, but shouldn't any more. Visit the Dutch ellaONe website for details)

Dedicated Products / Progestin Only You should take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

• NorLevo 1.5mg (available over the counter)
• Postinor 1500 (available over the counter)

Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:

• Neogynon
• Stediril-d

You should take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later: * Microgynon-30

• Stediril 30

You should take 5 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 5 more pills 12 hours later: * Lovette

Costs

In the Netherlands, EC should cost around 15 euro.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Pregnancy

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Childbirth Preparation Courses: "Our trainers suggest that in order to take part on the course you need to be in your third Trimester, at least 26 weeks pregnant. This course is designed for couples and runs for five sessions."

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.