View Health:Gynaecology
All Japanese hospitals have a gynaecology department, but as with general visits to hospitals in Japan, expect long waits. You can also go to a smaller clinic that offers gynaecological care along with other services, but it is rare that your doctor will be a specialist. Many Western women have a full check-up every time they return to their home countries, but in the case of needing immediate gynaecological treatment, this is what you can expect.
Lack of privacy, both during discussions and examinations, seems to be the common complaint amongst Western women regarding gynaecological care. For the examination, you go in to a small adjoining ‘room’, undress and get on the chair. This can feel strange because you can hear people bustling around outside and you may spend most of the time panicking that a crowd of people are about to join you.
In my experiences in the UK, rarely had the gynaecologists used stirrups and they certainly didn’t strap my ankles into them as is common practice in Japan, so be prepared. Also, when you get on the chair there is a curtain hanging down to your waist, so you cannot see the doctor’s face and he (usually a he) cannot see yours. It is supposed to save the embarrassment that Japanese women are said to experience if they can see the doctor during gynaecological examinations. If the curtain disturbs you more than its absence would, don’t be intimidated-push it aside.
Some gynaecologists seem to be trying a friendlier approach with Western women. One doctor I visited in a women’s clinic pushed the curtain away himself, making the small talk that doctors in the West generally do to help you relax. He obviously knew something about what Western women expected from a gynaecological examination.
Some gynaecology departments also offer routine breast examinations that, although sometimes lacking in privacy, can be worth getting done while you are there.
Sexually transmitted diseases
If you suspect that you may have a sexually transmitted disease, you can visit any doctor at a regular clinic or hospital. You can get a free AIDS test at any public health centre, although some will not test foreigners, and at hospitals and clinics, you will have to pay for this service. This test is supposed to be anonymous, but my advice is to visit a foreign doctor at an international clinic to ensure confidentiality and sensitivity. You collect the results about one week later. There is usually no counselling prior to an AIDS test in Japan. If you test positive, treatment is available in Japan if you are covered by national health insurance.