4 myths about contraceptive pills in Japan

Contraceptive pills are important not only to prevent unintended pregnancy but also to improve women’s reproductive health. It’s been more than 20 years since Japan legalized contraceptive pills, but not many Japanese women are taking advantage of this option. Among the reasons behind this reluctance, misconceptions play a large part in discouraging young Japanese women from taking charge of their reproductive health.

A couple of years ago, an anonymous tweet by a Japanese high schooler went viral when she questioned her teacher’s comments about contraceptive pills being meant for “promiscuous” women. In this article, we aim to debunk some common misconceptions by providing some important facts.

Myth 1: Contraceptive pills will make you gain weight

Research shows that there’s no direct link between pills and weight gain. Some may experience water retention, which could contribute to slight weight gain. As long as you are taking low-dose oral contraceptives, which contain low amounts of hormones, side effects disappear within 2 to 3 months.

Myth 2: Contraceptive pills are not suitable for teenagers

Contraceptive pills are effective not only for avoiding unintended pregnancy but also for reducing the pain and inconvenience of heavy menstrual bleeding. They are also effective in easing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Teenagers, especially those who have just started having their periods, can benefit from stabilizing their menstrual cycles so that they’re more likely to be able to focus on important life events, including school, exams and taking part in public events. Birth control pills can also help reduce acne by helping to clear up skin.

Myth 3: Contraceptive pills will damage fertility

There is no connection between pill use and infertility. It also doesn’t abort the fetus after pregnancy. Birth control pills work to temporarily halt ovulation, which is integral for natural pregnancy, but stop working as soon as you stop taking them. According to an American study, 80% of the study participants conceived within a year after they stopped taking pills.

Myth 4: Contraceptive pills cause cancer

While birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, they may also reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. As for breast cancer, the pill isn’t the only factor that could put you at risk, as age, family history and lifestyle environment also play a part.

Anything that decreases the amount of ovulation is associated with decreased risk of ovarian cancer, and this includes pregnancy, breastfeeding and contraceptive pills. When a woman ovulates, there is a disruption of the surface of the ovaries and an increased risk of growth of cancerous tumors. Studies show that taking the pill for five years can cut the risk of ovarian cancer in half. In addition, taking the pill for four years can cut the risk of endometrial cancer in half.

It’s important to actively learn about the pros and cons and also to have a consultation with a medical professional when considering using birth control pills. The more people are equipped with the correct information, the more women will be liberated from misconceptions and make better choices for themselves.