The importance of the worldwide contraceptive experience ot Japanese physicians

Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been used by more than 50 million women worldwide. About 30 years ago, Japan also wished to develop and introduce oral contraceptives. Regrettably, the government was not supportive. As a result, Japanese women have not had access to this form of contraception. After two years of intensive discussions at the Special Committee level, the Japanese Ministry of Welfare (KOSEISHO) published guidelines in 1987 to allow clinical trials of oral contraceptives to begin. This article discusses the relevance and importance of the worldwide experience with oral contraceptives to the Japanese physician. Despite the long wait, the Japanese physician looks forward to being able to apply clinically what has been learned worldwide.