Tokyo

Japan / Kanto / Tokyo

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Japan, contraception (birth control) is by prescription only. If you choose to take hormonal birth control pills, you'll probably need to visit the doctor every 1-3 months to renew your prescription. Interestingly, Japan only legalized hormonal birth control pills in 1999, supposedly due to health concerns such as blood clots. For this reason, hormonal birth control is not very commonly used in Japan. Condoms are much more common. Currently, the Japanese government only permits the usage of low-dosage hormonal pills. This means that, if you're currently using a higher-dosage pill, you may not be able to find it in Japan.

What to Get & Where to Get It

The Patch

While the patch is available in Japan, you won't generally find it in most places. You'll need it buy it online or visit select clinics. The main brand available is Ortho Evra.

IUDs

IUDs are available in Japan, and they're known as 子宮内避妊器具. For copper IUD, you say 銅付加タイプ or 銅付加IUD. The most popular is the Multiload CU250R (マルチロードCU250R). You can access Mirena (known as ミレーナ５２ｍｇ).

Condoms and Spermicide

You can find spermicide, male condoms and female condoms at drug stores (no prescription needed).

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

For birth control pills, you can say "経口避妊薬" (けいこうひにんやく, "keikouhininyaku" in Japanese). The most common way to refer to birth control pills is "ピル" (piru). Note that only low-dosage pills are sold in Japan. You'll need a prescription. Check out this useful guide to finding a clinic that will prescribe for you.

In 2010, it was reported that "The mini-pill (ミニピル) has not been approved in Japan, and does not seem to be available except in online stores/pharmacies."

Here are some pill brands you can expect:

21 active (21錠タイプ):

1. Marvelon (マーベロン)

2. Ortho M-21 (オーソ M-21)

Multiphasic pill - 2 or 3相性ピル:

21 active - (21錠タイプ)

1. Triquilar (トリキュラー)

2. Ange (アンジュ)

3. Ortho 777 (オーソ 777)

28 active - (28錠タイプ):

1. シンフェーズ ("New Phase")

2. Triquilar (トリキュラー)

3. Ange (アンジュ)

4. Marvelon (マーベロン)

Not all doctors prescribe birth control pills. Here are some clinics to check out:

• Primary Care Tokyo: "Tri-phasic and monophasic oral contraceptives are available at the clinic for dispensing. Prescriptions can also be issued if dispensing at an outside pharmacy is preferred... We do not place or remove IUDs at our clinic... Please note that consultations for dispensing of oral contraceptives and the cost of the medications are not covered by National Health Insurance. Consultations that are only for the prescription of oral contraceptives are ¥3,000 and the cost of a one month supply dispensed in-house is ¥2,500 (plus tax). Prescriptions can also be issued in which case the cost of the medication may vary depending on the pharmacy."
• K Ladies Clinic: Address: 5F Shinjuku Center Building, 1-25-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tel: 03-3343-9555, Open: Mon, Wed–Sat, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:30–6:30 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:30–5:30 p.m.

Costs

Birth control is not covered by Japanese health insurance. Depending on your doctor and birth control brand, you can expect to pay between ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 for a one month supply of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). For copper IUDs, you can expect to pay ¥30,000-¥50,000. Mirena costs ¥80,000 and up.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: The earlier you take emergency contraception, the more effectively it works. After unprotected sex, take EC as soon as possible. If you don't have access to EC, you can use oral contraceptives as EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC (so confirm they work as EC) 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages to work as EC (so get the proper instructions) 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) You must also take the pills as soon as possible.

Laws & Social Stigmas

Emergency contraceptives (also known as "the morning after pill") are by prescription only in Japan. Check out this useful guide to finding a clinic that will prescribe for you. It's unknown if there are any age restrictions.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Note: The most effective emergency contraceptive is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Other EC brands are generally effective for 1-3 days with occasional protection for up to 5 days. Japan currently does not carry ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, look for regular EC, which may sometimes protect you for up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective, and they should be taken as soon as possible.

Information below provided by Princeton EC website:

Dedicated Products / Progestin Only Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:

• NorLevo 0.75 mg

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:

• Duoluton
• Planovar

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Note: 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 that may prevent HIV infection, and it may be available in your city (see below for details). Take PEP as soon as possible.