Doctors in Taiwan: Gynecologist

One a year, ladies are required to visit a local sadist and get our plumbing checked. It’s quite important actually. The gynecologist will check for tumors, cysts, diseases, etc. Any kind of doctor visit in Taiwan is fairly inexpensive and going to the gynecologist is no exception. For your first visit, expect to pay around $600 NTD or $20 USD. This includes your registration fee as well as the cost of the appointment. Without an insurance card, expect to pay a bit more, but this is still cheap compared to Western standards.

Unfortunately, some of the quality goes down with the price. In Taiwan, the breast exam is completely omitted. I guess they expect us to do that on our own time. (Like any of us actually know how to tell a cancerous lump from any of the other stuff going on in there.) Also, you are not expected to undress completely. This shouldn’t be much of a surprise since the doctors appear to have a fear of breasts.

The gynecologist will be quick and efficient though when it comes to getting your pap smear done. So much so that you’ll feel a bit more like an animal at the vet than a girl visiting the doctor. Upside: the appointment only lasts about five minutes and you can be on your way. Just don’t expect any coddling or patience when it comes getting those legs spread. The gynecologist should email you the results of the pap within two weeks.

I can personally recommend the Jung Shiao Shing Fu Clinic (Zhongxiao Xingfu OB/GYN), which is conveniently located near a great shopping center. After suffering through a completely impersonal 10 minute appointment, at least you will be able to reward yourself with a new shirt from Zara. Also, all the doctors there speak English and I think most (if not all) of them are women. (In case that matters to you.)

To get there, take the blue line to Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT station and use exit 2. After exiting the station, just walk straight for a little while (it’s not far) until you see a round shaped bank building in front of you and a Rolex place beside you. Turn there. It’s that building. Enter from the side and take the elevator to the 12th floor. If you’re not sure you’re at the right place, just hold up the address below to some strangers on the street and look confused. Taiwanese people are generally very nice and will help you.

One last note, it may be worth booking your appointment in advance. It appears that the clinic accepts both walk-ins and appointments. However, having an appointment should speed things along so you can get out and get to Zara faster. Here is the current address (as of 2016):

Jung Shiao Shing Fu Clinic
235 Zhongxiao E. Rd
12 F
Taipei City
02-2776-2222