This page contains information on HIV/STD/STI testing, Contraception, Menstrual Care Products, and OBGYN care in Japan. With practical information and how-to guides, as well as personal statements from Nagasaki JET Alumni, we hope this page can help guide Nagasaki JETs toward a healthy life!
HIV and STI/STD Testing
With no symptoms, it may cost you to get tested and it may not be covered under insurance. If you do have symptoms (such as localized genital pain, rash, trouble urinating, discharge, etc) and ask to be tested, testing should be covered by insurance and the nurses/doctor will most likely recommend which STIs to be tested for based on the symptoms or circumstances (condom wasn’t used, condom broke, etc) you share with them.
Some STI/STD testing may be conducted at urologists or OBGYNS for “males” and “females” respectively. However, these services will not be anonymous. Public health centers may offer more options.
For a list of locations which can provide testing for HIV in Nagasaki prefecture, please check HIVKensa’s website. You can also see if other STI/STD testing is available at each location, if anonymous service is available, and more. The webpage works well with in-browser translation tools. However, we cannot guarantee information is up to date.
Local Perspective: HIV, STI/STD Testing
"Taking care of your sexual health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. Although testing and other services may be difficult to get here, I encourage JETs to be persistent and active in maintaining all aspects of their personal health. I've heard that at OBGYNs and urologists, you may be discouraged from testing if you have no symptoms, but you can still request and get tests regardless, just at your own cost. Also, here is information in English for a mail-order home STD kit plus some other useful info: http://japanhealthinfo.com/faq/std-test/. It saves money because there is no payment for the consultation, only for the testing."
Contraception
Not all forms of contraception are available in Japan. Birth control pills are commonly prescribed in Japan, and may cost ~¥2000-¥3000 per month. IUDs are less common, and as such, fewer clinics offer IUD insertion and removal. The copper IUD or Mirena (IUS) is available at Yasuhi Womens Clinic in Nagasaki City but may cost ¥11-14万. The patch, implant, and injection are generally not available.
If you have a prescription in your home country that is unavailable in Japan, you may be able to bring an extended period’s supply into Japan or have your prescription posted to you from your home country. Please see yakkan shomei (form for prescription medications being posted or brought into Japan) rules to see if this is an option for you. For more information please follow this link to the JET Programme, General Information Handbook.
Emergency Oral Contraception
Emergency Oral Contraception, also known as Plan B or the morning after pill, can cost around ¥1万〜2万. Not all OBGYNs will prescribe Emergency Oral Contraception. It may be worth calling local clinics or asking locals where Emergency Oral Contraception is available near you so you are prepared in the case of an emergency. The pill is available from Yasuhi Womens Clinic in Nagasaki City.
Condoms
Condoms in Japan come in varying circumferences, lengths, and textures. Some are lubricated, and some are not. Some that are lubricated use alcohol based lubricant, so please be careful if you have allergies. It is always important to read the packaging to ensure your safety and comfort. Condoms can be purchased at convenience stores, drug stores, general stores, and supermarkets. It’s always a good idea to have your own condoms, just in case you or someone you know needs them.
Menstrual Care Products
Pads are the most common menstrual product in Japan. Pads come in a large variety of sizes and thicknesses (which don’t always correlate with capacity) so it is important to check packing. Beware of scented pads which may cause irritation. Tampons are also common, but there are fewer varieties. Tampons come in varying sizes based on absorption capacity, and can come with or without plastic applicators. Both pads and tampons can be found in convenience stores, drug stores, general stores and supermarkets.
To find menstrual cups or period underwear, it may be best to research products online to see if there’s something that meets your needs locally, or if online ordering is a better option.
While it may take some time to find the best products for your daily life, Japanese products do work. To help you out in your search, here are some products which are popular among local JETs!
OBGYN
Your OBGYN in Japan may provide cervical smear (pap smear) tests, ultrasounds, reproductive care, and more. You may need to fill in a questionnaire before your appointment starts. For pelvic examinations, OBGYN examination rooms may use a special chair and a curtain. The chair reclines and has leg rests. You will sit down after removing the lower half of your clothing. As the chair reclines, your legs will be widened at the same time. The curtain will fall between the upper and lower halves of your body. After you are seated, the OBGYN, usually with an assistant, will enter from a door on the other side of the curtain. This means that unless you ask for the curtain to be opened, you will not see the people on the other side throughout the procedure. Your regular cervical smear test will likely also come with an ultrasound.
If you would like a mammogram as part of your checkup, you may need to request it specifically.
Local Perspectives: OBGYN
"The ultrasound was a shock to me as this is not part of the cervical smear process in NZ. This Youtube video is a 6 minute account and I found it to be very close to my own experience. As these kinds of appointments are usually not the highlight of anyone's week the best thing you can do is ask around for referrals. You can bet that there are people who have had to visit the OBGYN and not only can they give you advice but can also give your more specifics about the clinic you might visit."
Here are some clinics I've had recommended to me locally:
Nagasaki City
- Yasuhi Women’s Health Clinic (The doctor speaks English)
- Aoi Clinic (under KONAMI, walk in)
- Minato Medical Center - Mon-Fri, 8:30-11AM (has an English interpreter)
Sasebo
-Sasebo Higashijima Clinic"