Birth Control Options
The following options are commonly available in Japan:
- Condoms
- Oral birth control pills
- Spermicides
- IUD
The following are not available or difficult to obtain in Japan.
- Mini Pills
- Hormonal Implants
- Diaphragms
- Vaginal Hormonal Rings
- Hormone Patches
- Contraceptive Sponges
Condoms
You can easily buy condoms at a conveninece store, supermarket, drugstores. Many condoms have spermicides applied.
Oral Birth Control Pills
Most OB/GYNs can prescribe oral birth control pills, or “piru”（ピル）in Japanese.
This medication is not available over-the-counter. You need to see a doctor, usually OB/GYN to get a prescription.
The pill is not covered by Japanese Health Insurance, and the cost is approximately 3,000 yen per month. Some doctors run blood tests or do a pap smear test to check if you are fit for the pill use. This test is not also covered by insurance therefore could cost up to 10,000 yen for a consultation. You can usually get more than 1 month supply at one time (may be limited if it is your first time). You don’t need to go back to the doctor every month.
The kinds of available pills are not as wide range as overseas. Mini-Pill is not easily available in Japan.
UPDATE: We are now working with an obgyn clinic that provides online consultation and prescribe oral contraceptive pills in English. You do not have to travel to the clinic in person, simply have a consultation online and they will post-mail the pills anywhere in Japan. Feel free to contact us for arrangement.
IUD
OB/GYN doctors insert or remove IUDs. They are expensive, at around 50,000 yen or more including the procedure fee. In general IUD is not inserted on the first visit to your doctor, needs to have a consultation first then inserted. Often you need to schedule an appointment according to your cycle. Doctors recommend IUD to women who experienced childbirth. It can be difficult to find a doctor who places IUD to young women who hasn’t had childbirth.
JHI can locate nearby OB/GYN clinics to you and can help with the appointments. Contact us by email.