What Is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) is a medication used to prevent pregnancy when contraception fails or after unprotected sex. In Japan, it requires a doctor’s prescription and cannot be purchased directly at pharmacies. However, in many other countries, it can be obtained over the counter without a prescription, and the differences of availability is conspicuous. Understanding how to obtain it in Japan is crucial for women’s health and self-protection. This page focuses primarily on the emergency contraception pill, Levonorgestrel.
Effectiveness of Emergency Contraception
The effectiveness of emergency contraception is significantly affected by how soon it is taken after intercourse. The sooner it is taken, the higher the chances of preventing pregnancy. Therefore, its effectiveness decreases over time. The table below shows how the effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases as time passes.
| Time Elapsed | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Within 24 hours | About 99% |
| Within 48 hours | About 98% |
| Within 72 hours | About 97% |
| 72 to 120 hours | Around 60% |
Emergency contraception should only be used in emergencies and is not suitable as a regular form of contraception. Condoms and low-dose birth control pills are recommended as regular preventive options.
After taking the pill, light bleeding or withdrawal bleeding, different from your usual period, may occur from the third day to the following 3 weeks.
Side Effects of Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception may cause the following side effects after use:
- Nausea
Some may feel nauseous or vomit after taking the pill. If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill, another dose may be necessary as the pill’s effect could be compromised. - Headache and Dizziness
Temporary headaches or dizziness can occur due to changes in hormone levels. - Irregular Menstrual Cycle
Your next menstrual cycle may be earlier or later than usual after taking emergency contraception. This is usually temporary, and your cycle typically returns to normal within a few months.
Important Precautions for Emergency Contraception
There are several important points to consider when taking emergency contraception:
- Take It As Soon As Possible After Unprotected Intercourse
The effectiveness of emergency contraception significantly decreases after 72 hours. The sooner it’s taken, the higher the chance of preventing pregnancy. - It’s Not a Regular Contraceptive Method
Emergency contraception should only be used in emergencies, not as a regular form of birth control. Condoms, low-dose pills, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) should be used for regular contraception.
Cost
Emergency contraception is not covered by insurance in Japan, so you will need to pay the full cost. The price can vary significantly depending on the medical institution, ranging from around ¥6,000 to ¥20,000. While the cost may discourage some, timely action is essential.
For victims of sexual abusement, Japanese local governments provide consultation services and support organizations. In such cases, you may receive help with reducing the cost or getting a referral to a medical institution, so do not hesitate to seek advice.
BLEZ Pharmacy’s Services
At BLEZ Pharmacy, our pharmacists are trained in dispensing emergency contraception through online prescriptions, ensuring you receive the care you need. We also work closely with doctors to provide quick and effective support in emergencies.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I get emergency contraception?”—don’t worry. Even if you’re unsure of which medical facility to visit, we can refer you to a doctor at our pharmacy.
Moreover, BLEZ Pharmacy offers multilingual support, so even those who struggle with Japanese can feel comfortable. We accommodate English, Chinese, and various other languages, making our services accessible to non-Japanese speakers as well.
Q&A
- Can I buy emergency contraception without a prescription?
In Japan, a prescription is required. You cannot buy it directly from a pharmacy. - When should I take emergency contraception for it to be effective?
It is recommended to take it within 72 hours. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. - Are there any side effects?
Side effects may include bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headaches, but they are usually temporary. - Can I completely prevent pregnancy?
It is not 100% effective, but the sooner you take it, the higher the chances of preventing pregnancy. - Is it safe to take emergency contraception multiple times?
While there are no safety concerns with multiple uses, it should only be used in emergencies. You should rely on appropriate contraception for regular use. - Where can I get help if I’m a victim of sexual abusement?
Local government consultation offices and support organizations can help with referrals to medical facilities and provide support. - Can I get emergency contraception via online consultation?
Yes, we provide online consultation services and can prescribe emergency contraception. You will need to come to the pharmacy in person to take the medication, and a follow-up in-person visit is required three weeks later. - Is emergency contraception covered by insurance?
No, it is not covered by any Japanese insurance. However, if your insurance company has different policy, please take a consultation with your insurance company. - Can foreign visitors use your services?
Yes, we offer multilingual support and can assist foreign visitors in different languages. - Will emergency contraception affect my next period?
Yes, it may temporarily cause your period to be early or late, but it usually returns to normal within a few months.
At BLEZ Pharmacy, we strive to provide quick and appropriate care for emergency contraception. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to consult us at any time.
English 
Japanese