Birth Control in Japan
Birth control (unless for a specific medical condition) is not covered by Japanese health insurance. Finding the right doctor is key, as regular blood tests are part of the package of obtaining the pill and many contraceptive prescriptions require monthly renewals.
Birth control methods available in Japan
Pills
Birth control pills are known as keikou hinin yaku (経口避妊薬) but more commonly referred to as “piru” (ピル). The pill can be picked up at your regular gynecologist and usually cost around ¥2,000-¥3,000 at the cheapest for a month, depending on your doctor and brand.
Condoms
Condoms (kondoumu,コンドーム) are the most widely practiced type of birth control and are available at every convenience store and drugstores.
Intrauterine devices (IUD/IUS)
Intrauterine devices such as coils (shikyunai kigu,子宮内器具) or vaginal rings (hininringu, 避妊リング) are available in Japan, at a price that will depend on the clinic.
Temperature control
You can buy a women’s thermometer (fujin tai-on kei, 婦人体温計) at any drugstore.
Morning after pill
The morning after pill (afutaa piru, アフターピル) is not covered by the Japanese health insurance. They can typically cost around ¥10,000 and can be obtained at any women’s clinic. To find a clinic that does offer it, search for モーニングアフターピル (morning after pill) and your area.
Birth control methods not available in Japan
- Female condoms (rare)
- Diaphragms (rare)
- Mini pills
- Contraceptive injections
- Hormonal implants
- Hormone patches
- Contraceptive sponges