Morning-After Pill Now Available OTC in Japan: Pilot Project Launched

TOKYO — Japan has launched a pilot project to sell emergency contraceptive pills over the counter. The pilot project, which began on November 28, will allow women to purchase the pills without a prescription at 145 pharmacies nationwide. However, there are some restrictions in place: The minimum age for in-store purchases is 16, but if you are under 18 you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The price was set at 7,000 yen to 9,000 yen.

Activists Call for Easier Access

Activists have criticized the pilot project as being too small-scale and for having too many restrictions. They are calling for the government to lift all restrictions on the sale of emergency contraceptive pills and to make them available at all pharmacies and convenience stores.

The Emergency Contraceptive Campaign Group, a Japanese activist group, said that the pilot project was “a step in the right direction, but it is not enough.” The group said that the pilot project’s selection process was difficult and that the parental consent requirement was too high.

Positive Public Response in Consultation

A recent government consultation found that 97% of respondents support the use of emergency contraception. The World Health Organization also recommends that emergency contraception be available without a prescription as part of family planning programs.

Emergency Contraceptive Pill’s Time Sensitivity

Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. They are not as effective as regular birth control pills, but they can still prevent pregnancy if taken promptly.

Call for Comprehensive Access

Activists say that making the pills more available would help to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions.

Emergency contraceptive pills, often referred to as the morning-after pill, are a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular birth control method fails. These pills work by delaying or preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, which is essential for fertilization.

When to Use Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. However, they can still be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

Situations when emergency contraceptive pills may be considered include:

• Unprotected sex without using any birth control method
• Condom failure or slippage
• Missed birth control pills
• Late or irregular periods

How to Use Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills are available over-the-counter (OTC) in most pharmacies without a prescription. They are also available by prescription from healthcare providers.

There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills:

Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step, Aftera Pill, NextChoice One Dose)

Ulipristal acetate (Ella)

Both types of pills are effective in preventing pregnancy, but Ella may be more effective if taken more than 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Follow the instructions on the package carefully when taking emergency contraceptive pills. The most common dosage is one pill taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. For levonorgestrel pills, a second pill may be needed 12 hours after the first pill. Ella is a single-dose pill taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex.

Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. However, they are not 100% effective. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills decreases the longer you wait to take them.

• Within 72 hours: Up to 95% effective
• Within 120 hours: Up to 85% effective
• Safety of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills are safe for most women to use. They may cause some side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.

Accessibility of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills are widely available in most countries. However, access to these pills can be limited in some areas due to factors such as cost, availability, and restrictions.

In the United States: Emergency contraceptive pills are available OTC at most pharmacies without a prescription.

In other countries: Availability and regulations may vary.

Importance of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills are an important tool for preventing unintended pregnancies. They can help to reduce the number of abortions and unplanned pregnancies.

If you have any questions or concerns about emergency contraceptive pills, talk to your healthcare provider. (This article is for information only, not substitute for advice of medical health expert)