Birth
Control
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Inflammation of bladder:
膀胱炎 bokoen -
Yeast infection:
イースト菌感染病 iisutokin kansen byo -
Candida:
カンジタ kanjita -
Vaginal discharge:
おりもの orimono -
STD:
性病 seibyo -
Hemorrhage:
不正出血 fusei shukketsu
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Abortion:
中絶 chuzetsu -
Birth Control:
避妊 hinin
Useful Links
Planned Parenthood
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Birth Control in Japan
References: https://tokyojet.wikia.org/, https://japanhealthinfo.com/pregnancy-and-childbirth/pregnancy-and-delivery-costs/, https://gynopedia.org/Japan#IUDs
Availability
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Japan offers legal surgical abortions at designated OB/GYN clinics for parents with serious physical, economical and social reasons (and also in case of rape or incest).
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Chemical/medical “abortion pills” (misoprostol) which are made to mimic labor to induce miscarriage or stillbirth, are not legal in Japan. Those available online are not approved for use (all responsibilities will fall on the individual).
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⚠ Most public hospitals do not carry out abortions.
Rh factor
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There are four blood types: A, B, O and AB.
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Within these four groups, each person is either positive or negative for the “Rh factor,” a protein found on the red blood cells.
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As blood types are genetic and inherited from parents, the prevalence of different blood types varies from country to country.
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In Japan, studies indicate that fewer than 1% of people are Rh-negative, while in Europe, Australia and the US, often 10-15% of people are Rh-negative.
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The Rh factor is only a concern when the pregnant person is Rh-negative, and their developing fetus has inherited a positive Rh factor from the other biological parent.
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In this case, the host's immune system will become sensitized during the pregnancy, and if they later becomes pregnant again, their immune system will make antibodies against the Rh factor.
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These antibodies will attack the baby’s red blood cells, causing a lot of problems.
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Even if a pregnancy only lasts a short time, the host’s immune system can become sensitized, putting possible future pregnancies at risk.
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Fortunately, treatment of these antibodies is available to prevent problems in the future if you are Rh-negative.
How can problems be prevented?
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A simple blood test can tell you if you are Rh-negative and therefore if you should have antibody treatment.
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Because the chance of Rh-related problems is very low in Japan, doctors in Japan may not always think to check your Rh factor.
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If your doctor doesn’t mention it, be sure to ask your doctor about it.
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If you are Rh-negative, an injection of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg, known as “Rhogam”) can prevent sensitization.
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You can also request an antibody screen (a kind of blood test) to see if you have developed antibodies to the Rh factor.
More information about the Rh factor:
Procedure
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It’s a one‐day procedure, but takes at least three visits (consultation, surgery, and follow‐up).
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It is not covered by the NHI and is often required to be paid cash.
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The cost will vary on the term and the doctor of the clinic/hospital you go to (sometimes cheaper at a ladies’ clinic).
First-Trimester Abortion
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Up to 11 weeks & 6 days
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Procedure: they will slightly open the cervix, insert a small syringe in the uterus and remove the pregnancy.
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Usually done under a light anesthesia for minimal discomfort (depending on your pain tolerance).
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~¥100,000–¥200,000
Second-Trimester Abortion
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12 weeks to 21 weeks & 6 days
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Hospital admission for a few days is required.
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It is more difficult to find a place willing to perform the procedure (more complicated, expensive and risky for the mother).
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The hospital must provide a death certificate to the ward hall (classified as stillbirth) and has to retrieve burial approval, cremation, and optional placement at a cemetery, so even facilities performing first‐trimester abortions might not conduct them.
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Weeks 12‐14: ~¥300,000–¥350,000
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Weeks 15-21: ~¥450,000–¥500,000
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⚠ Also consider the additional hospital admission cost.
Third-Trimester Abortion
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22 weeks and above
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Only performed when serious problems arise and threaten the life of the mother who must be aborted in emergency (so rarely ever done).
Permission
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A written consent form is required.
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They will ask about the father. If you say you don’t know who it is, there’s nothing they can do.
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Otherwise, the father has to give permission. If you want an abortion in Japan, but the father doesn’t, the father has the final say.
Social Perception
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Abortion is considered contraception, and usually the woman’s responsibility.
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This makes it easier, but the doctor might ask you to mourn.
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Jizo are the children statues often wearing bibs or hats and surrounded by small items.
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The doctor may ask you to “adopt” one after an abortion (you don't have to).
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People will pay a fee to adopt a jizo on which they will inscribe their names. They will dress it up like a newborn and pour water over it to quench its thirst.
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The reasons behind this practice can include parental grief, desire to comfort the soul of the fetus, guilt, hopes for forgiveness, or even fear of retribution from a vengeful ghost.
Useful Information
Information about getting an abortion in Japan
Resources: , https://telljp.com/homepage/resources/pregnancy-options/
Cost
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~¥_0,000–¥100,000
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It is not covered by the National Health Insurance.
About It
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Vasectomy is 精管切除 (seikan setsujo) in Japanese which means "pipe cut".
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The doctors will ask you some questions about your personal life. They might disapprove (even more) your choice and refuse to do it. It might be difficult to convince them that you are ready for a vasectomy.
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If so, keep looking for one that will listen and respect your decision.
How to Prepare
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U
Procedure
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Usually done at your doctor's office or in an outpatient surgery center.
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Takes about 30 minutes under local anesthetic.
References: , http://japanhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/04/pipe-cut.html, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Cost
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~ ¥100,000–¥200,000
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It is not covered by the National Health Insurance.
About It
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Tubal ligation is 卵管結紮 (rankan kessatsu) in Japanese.
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Just like with the IUS and IUDs, doctors will ask you some questions about your personal life. They might disapprove (even more) your choice and refuse to do it. It might be difficult to convince them that you are ready for a tubal ligation.
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If so, keep looking for one that will listen and respect your decision.
How to Prepare
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U
Procedure
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Usually done at _____________.
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Takes about __ minutes under
References: , http://japanhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/04/pipe-cut.html, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
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They are generally not available.
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They are not common in Japan.
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They may be very expensive.
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Spermicide: 殺精子剤 satsusei shizai
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Male condoms: コンドーム kondōmu
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Female condoms: 女性用コンドーム josei-yō kondōmu
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Condoms are also called ”ゴム” gomu.
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They can be found at places such as drug stores, pharmacies, and convenient stores, though female condoms are harder to find in general.
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No prescription needed.
Recommendations
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Okamoto condoms (~¥1000–¥1500, usually are on lower shelves)
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Condoms 12 (¥980, from Don Quixote)
IUS & IUDs
Cost
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~¥40,000–¥60,000
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Removal: ~¥15,000–¥18,000
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They are not covered by the National Health Insurance.
About It
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They are not common in Japan.
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Both hormonal IUS (e.g. Multiload CU250R, NovaT, and Mirena) and copper IUDs are available.
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Some OB-GYN might try to discourage you from having an IUS/IUD and tell you to take the pill instead.
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They might (or will) ask you about whether or not you have a partner, and if you already have children (and if not, if you want children... and if you don't want children, that you should as a duty and that you'll change your mind).
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They might not be supportive and approve your choice...
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DON'T LET THEM SHAME YOU AND/OR CHOOSE WHAT'S "GOOD" FOR YOU! IT'S YOUR BODY!!
Arm implants
Cost
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~¥__,000–¥__,000
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Removal: ~ ¥15,000 (available in Tokyo)
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They are not covered by the National Health Insurance.
About It
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For arm implants, getting them and getting them removed is almost impossible.
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Implanon and Nexplanon are NOT available in Japan.
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Most places will say they can’t remove it because they don’t know what it is.
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Some ladies' clinics will remove them for you, but most won’t list it as a service, so you may have to call around and ask.
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⚠ If you want an implant or are having issues with an implant, it would be better getting it done or removed abroad/at home, before arriving in Japan.
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Plan b pill aka "Morning After Pill"
Cost
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~¥10,000–¥20,000 for one pill
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It is not covered by the National Health Insurance.
About It
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This emergency contraception is called the "Morning After Pill" (緊急避妊薬 kinkyuuhininyaku or モーニングアフターピル mōninguafutāpiru, or just アフターピル afutāpiru) in Japan.
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It is a prescription‐only medicine.
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The person who needs it has to visit an OB-GYN, a Ladies’ Clinic or a general hospital to get it.
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Only Planovar (combination) and Norlevo (progesterone only and cheaper) are approved in Japan (since 2011).
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⚠ Remember it has to be taken within 72 hours.
Cost
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~¥2,000–¥4,000/pack.
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Sometimes covered by insurance for medical reasons (e.g. endometriosis).
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Even if not covered, appointments and visits are covered.
About It
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It is the most common form of female contraception in Japan.
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All contraceptive pills (ピル piru or 避妊薬 hinin yaku) available in Japan are low‐dose to lower the risks, so hormones and side effects are kept to minimum levels.
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Pills are available in clinics.
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You have to go back every month to get the next batch.
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Some OB-GYN might give you more than one month of prescription at the time, but you need to ask.
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Once you go to a clinic the first time, you won’t have to talk to a doctor every time, they can give you a refill at desk.
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Limited supplies and pill options based on clinics and insurance, so ask!
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Some brands are not sold, some are; ask doctor about the active ingredients.
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If you were taking birth control before moving to Japan, you may not be able to receive the same prescription (you should bring a copy of your current prescription).
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When getting birth control from your home country, only one month may be sent at a time, and a note from your doctor and a copy of your prescription must be included in the package.
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⚠ DO NOT TRUST THE INTERNET, ASK A DOCTOR!