tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519158191560630244.post1288321187162241853..comments2024-03-27T15:13:37.987+09:00Comments on AccessJ: Contraception in JapanDomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02389198212394380898noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519158191560630244.post-89174428313628084202012-08-03T21:57:38.531+09:002012-08-03T21:57:38.531+09:00After reading this I panicked because my girlfrien...After reading this I panicked because my girlfriend is getting on a plane in 5 hours with a years supply of birth control pills. She may have even packed them into a box being sent by UPS. I've discovered good news. You can obtain a "Yakkan Shoumei" which is permission from the pharmaceutical inspector saying it is only for personal use. You are supposed to obtain it before coming to Japan (it takes 2 weeks or so). Since we cannot do that the bureau told me that she can take one month supply with her and customs will hold the rest. After we obtain the Yakkan Shoumei we can claim the rest of the pills. Just another one of the many hassles Japan has to offer.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10649944085461917196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519158191560630244.post-90645872619008043072012-05-15T22:18:31.254+09:002012-05-15T22:18:31.254+09:00Good article.
My guess would be that Japanese ha...Good article. <br /><br />My guess would be that Japanese have less sex than other nationals have. (Think I read some statistics somewhere). So stds and pregnancy is not that prevalent. But I also support that- always use a condom, and as a girl - carry it with you. Most guys seem to think selfish: 'if I don't have one we just don't use one'. Unfortunately.Annanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519158191560630244.post-86230337365411296362011-08-22T10:33:29.024+09:002011-08-22T10:33:29.024+09:00Good point, and thanks for the info.Good point, and thanks for the info.Domhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02389198212394380898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519158191560630244.post-73768015666427805262011-08-21T01:42:37.761+09:002011-08-21T01:42:37.761+09:00How could the pill increase the risk of HIV/STDs i...How could the pill increase the risk of HIV/STDs in a country where the preferred methods of contraception are withdrawal and rhythm method?<br /><br />Logically it makes no sense. And, I assure you from extensive experience (/extensive/ experience), Japanese men do not willingly use condoms. <br /><br />When I lived in Japan, I brought 6 months of pill on my person (scattered around my numerous bags) and had my family periodically send me care packages that included 2-3 packs of contraceptives. I lucked out in that I never got stopped at Customs, and my packages were never held. <br /><br />But, especially with hormones, you can't fuck around and just switch to another type. The dosages for Japanese medications are based on the average weight of a Japanese woman - which is 5 to 7 kilos smaller than the average for a Western woman - and the chemical composition of the synthetic hormone itself varies with every single brand of pill.<br /><br /><br />For women who will be in japan for the long term, I recommend you consider an IUD. It offers up to 5 years of protection, and there are both hormonal AND non-hormonal options available. There are also the Norplant/Implanon/etc. implants which also offer long-term protection. Both the IUD and implant have GREAT effectiveness rates and you can't "misuse" them. They also have fewer side effects than Depo Provera, though they carry their own risks, too - e.g. if you catch an STD while on an IUD you are at high risk for PID (due to the fact that our cervix kind of remain open).<br /><br />Nonetheless, USE CONDOMS. I reiterate, USE CONDOMS when engaging in sexual activities with anybody, but especially Japanese men. They like to pretend that STDs are a "gaijin's disease" but it's not the case, and the way they ignore the reality of STDs and especially HIV (HIV testing is not encouraged and anti-retrovirals are not covered by Japanese health insurance as they are considered "preventative") means the number of carriers, especially middle-aged men who often patronize prostitutes in Japan and abroad, is much higher than the populace and gov't want to admit. They don't get regular screenings - just try to ask your partner to get an STD panel, he'll brush it off completely or take offense and assume that /you/ have something. I once asked a guy the last time he got tested, and he told me "Oh, don't worry. The last girl I slept with, my best friend slept with her afterwards, and he didn't catch anything, so I know I'm clean too." :|<br /><br />So, I recommend an IUD or implant to aid in pregnancy prevention and to regulate your menstrual cycle, but do not - I repeat, again - DO NOT FOREGO CONDOMS. Remember that children are not the only thing you can "catch" but they are the most curable. Always practice safe sex - at home, but ESPECIALLY abroad. <br /><br />If you can't go on an IUD or implant for whatever reason, I still recommend the pill - and stick to the pill you are used to. Whether or not you plan to be sexually active, I strongly, STRONGLY encourage you to also bring a pack or a few packs of EBC from home (or have the mailed one pack at a time to avoid customs issues). You never know what will happen, and you DON'T want to be caught without EBC when you need it, especially if you have to jump through hoops to get it. Remember, EBC is only effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com