Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Contraception Options in Japan

As an OB-GYN, I want to help you understand emergency contraception options in Japan. I hope this article answers your questions and helps you make informed decisions about emergency contraception.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to the contraceptive options that can decrease the risk of pregnancy after intercourse but before the establishment of a pregnancy. In short, it refers to products that prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Available Options

In many countries, including the United States, both oral emergency contraception pills and the copper IUD are available as emergency contraception options. The copper IUD is actually the most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. However, in Japan, the copper IUD is no longer available, and oral emergency contraception pills are currently the only option.

How Emergency Contraception Pills Work

Emergency contraception pills(ECPs) are medications designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. They work by preventing fertilization of the egg. However, it’s important to understand that ECPs won’t be effective if implantation has already occurred. This is why timing is crucial.

Timing is Everything

For maximum effectiveness, ECPs should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. Every hour counts, so don’t delay seeking treatment if you need emergency contraception.

Not a Regular Birth Control Method

Emergency contraception was developed as a backup option for unexpected situations. It should not replace regular contraceptive methods like condoms or birth control pills. Reserve ECPs for genuine emergencies when your primary birth control fails or wasn’t used.

Follow-up Care Matters

After taking ECPs, monitor your next menstrual period. If your period is more than a week late, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to rule out pregnancy.

Important Takeaways

Emergency contraception is an effective tool for preventing unplanned pregnancy when used correctly and promptly. However, it’s not meant to be your primary form of birth control. Have an open discussion with your partner about contraception and consider more reliable long-term methods like condoms, birth control pills, or IUDs (like Mirena).

A Message from Ashiya Women’s Clinic

At our clinic, we prescribe levonorgestrel tablets for emergency contraception. The treatment involves taking just one pill. The total cost, including consultation, is 8,800 yen. Don’t waste precious time worrying – if you think you need emergency contraception, come in right away. Time is of the essence. We accept walk-ins during business hours. You won’t face any judgment or lectures here. Please seek care promptly if you need it.

At Ashiya Women’s Clinic, we welcome walk-in patients. However, patients with appointments will be given priority, which means walk-in patients may experience a wait, depending on the clinic’s schedule. To minimize waiting times, we encourage patients to make an appointment through our online reservation system.

Remember: Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. If you think you might need it, don’t hesitate to seek medical care.