Contraception is important not only to protect your body now, but also to protect your future.

Have you heard of Emergency Contraceptive Pill (the morning-after pill)? It is a medicine that can be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse to help prevent pregnancy.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (morning-after pills) are an option to be used only in case of emergencies. It is important for everyone, regardless of gender, to have accurate information about contraception, including planned methods such as low-dose birth control pills and condoms.

Message from an
OB-GYN

OB-GYN, MD, PhD,
Occupational Physician
Vice Director, Integrative Health Clinic for Women
“ihc Omotesando”
Dr. Miho Takao

The over-the-counter availability of emergency contraceptive pills has added another way for women in need to access them. As an obstetrician-gynecologist who has faced women distressed and anxious about unexpected pregnancies, I am grateful that there are now more options for protecting one’s own body. Contraception should not be solely the woman's responsibility; it should be an important part of communication with one’s partner. I hope that learning about emergency contraceptive pills becomes an opportunity for both partners to think about their future together with accurate knowledge and information.

If you do not wish to become pregnant right now... Why not take some time
to think about "contraception"?

You may have experienced a moment of panic upon realizing a contraception failure.
If you do not wish to become pregnant, taking contraceptive actions based on your own will is essential to protect your mind and body. Among the various types of contraception, it is important to choose a method that is reliable and suits your age, lifestyle, and future pregnancy plans without causing undue burden.

Types and methods of contraception

If contraception fails... there is the option of using an
emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill).

​If you forgot to take your low-dose birth control pill, if a condom broke, or if you were forced into unwanted sexual intercourse... Emergency Contraceptive Pill (morning-after pill) is an option. The emergency contraceptive pill must be taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours, after intercourse where there is a concern about pregnancy.

Things to remember: Emergency Contraceptive Pill
Five points about morning-after pill

  • ①Take the medicine as soon as possible, within 72 hours after sexual intercourse hours
  • When taken within 72 hours of intercourse, it prevents pregnancy with approximately 80% effectiveness.
  • If you need it, it's important to take it as soon as possible.
  • ② When needed, you can visit a medical institution, or use online medical consultation, or go to a pharmacy or drugstore.
  • To obtain Emergency Contraceptive Pill, you can get a prescription from a medical institution or through online consultation, or you can purchase it from a pharmacy or drugstore that meets certain conditions.
    Find an authorized pharmacy
  • If you purchase it at a pharmacy or drugstore, you do not need a prescription. A pharmacist will check your prescription with a Pre-Administration Confirmation Checklist at the store. If you are able to take the medicine, you will take it in the presence of the pharmacist.
    • * A pharmacist trained in emergency contraception
  • 3. If you have any concerns after taking the medicine, consult a doctor.
  • Although its safety has been confirmed, temporary side effects such as nausea and headache may occur. If you experience any worrisome symptoms after taking the drug or if you vomit within 2 hours, consult a medical institution.
  • Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pill does not affect future pregnancies.
  • ④Taking it before sexual intercourse does not have contraceptive effects
  • Emergency Contraceptive Pill does not prevent pregnancy if taken before intercourse.
  • The contraceptive effect does not last long after taking the pill.
  • It is possible to become pregnant even after taking this medicine, so you should use an appropriate method of contraception.
  • ⑤ Check whether contraception was successful
  • The effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pill is not immediately apparent after taking it.
  • Three weeks after taking the medicine, take a pregnancy test or visit a doctor.

"Planned contraception"
"Emergency Contraceptive Pill just in case"

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (morning-after pill) are medications intended to be taken only in "what-if" situations. To prevent unintended pregnancies, it is important to choose a planned contraceptive that suits you.

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Contraception Information Hub

The women’s healthcare service “Luna Luna” provides information about contraception and emergency contraceptive pills (morning-after pill).

"Contraception Information Hub" — Delivering reliable contraception information to protect your body and your future.

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