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Sexual Health

Sexual Health covers everything from Pap Smears to STI, HIV, and AIDs resources. AMDA and TELL (Tokyo English Life Line) are equipped to help you find a clinic or testing center in your area. Also, Japan tends to treat doctor-patient confidentiality a little differently than other countries, so if discretion is key, a larger hospital in the next town over may be a good option for you.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

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Getting tested for HIV or other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Japan is easier than it might seem. There are two primary routes of getting tested: at a private clinic, or at a public health centres. Private clinics, particularly OB/GYNs, can do tests easily. However, unless you have symptoms of a specific STI, insurance will not cover the cost of the test (typically several thousand yen). Regional health centres, which exist in even very rural parts of Japan, usually do tests for free, and there is no insurance record. However, many do not provide results on the same day, and some smaller ones may only offer the tests on certain days of the month.

 

Either way, if you are in any way concerned that you may have been exposed to HIV or any other STI, it's extremely important that you have a test done as soon as possible. Knowledge is the only true way of protecting yourself and your sexual partners.

HIVKensa.com

A national listing of all HIV Testing centers in Japan. The site is entirely in Japanese, but is easy to decipher with a browser plug-in like Rikai-kun. Either click on the map to find your location, or select your prefecture along with any special requirements (i.e. same-day results, weekend or night hours, accepts walk-ins), and you'll be presented with a list of addresses, phone numbers, and websites. By far the easiest, and most anonymous, way of finding a testing centre.

Click on the button above for an account, written by a JET participant, about their experience of being diagnosed with HIV in Japan, and beginning treatment in the Japanese system. Written specifically for JETs, this account may be the only one of its kind. It offers information on the practicalities of things like insurance support, as well as reflections on moving forward with a JET experience despite diagnosis.

 

This narrative is extremely personal, and while PSG vouches for its authenticity, the recommendations and opinions therein are solely the author's.

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Birth Control and the Morning After Pill

JFPA CLINIC

This Japanese family planning website specializes in providing maps to small, private clinics that provide both standard oral birth control as well as the morning after pill. You can search for clinics in your prefecture that offer the Morning After Pill (緊急避妊薬) and/or the contraceptive pill (低用量ピル) by clicking on the drop down menu at the bottom of the page.

Some notes about birth control in Japan

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Birth control is not covered by insurance, but neither is it a bank-breaking expense. Male condoms can be found at most drug stores (Wellness, Sundays) as well as some combinis.

 

Oral contraceptive (the Pill) is usually called "piru" (ピル) or "hinin-yaku"(避妊薬). Oftentimes, doctors will prescribe a monthly dosage in the beginning. Ask about multiple monthly dosages if you are worried about returning to the hospital often.

 

The only form of long-term contraception offered in Japan is the IUD (Intra-uterine device). It is most often plastic and circular (as opposed to the metal T common in the US) which gives it is name "hinin ring" (避妊リング).

 

The Morning After pill is referred to as "kinkyuu hinin-yaku" (緊急避妊薬) or "kinkyu hinin piru"(緊急避妊ピル). It is to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex; so, if the clinic is closed over the weekend, Monday morning should be within the time window.

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