Health Centers / Lexicon / STDs / General STD Information / Help Lines / Websites
This information is provided by Ehime AJET as a way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. If you should find that any of the information here is in error, please contact the webmaster. Stay safe.
STD Testing in Ehime
The occurances of HIV/AIDS infection has reportedly been increasing in Ehime, Japan, and the rest of Asia. In order to prevent and reduce the risks of transmission, Ehime Public Heath Centers offer HIV testing for free or at a very low cost.
Ehime HIV Testing
Matsuyama Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho)
Kita Mochida-cho 132, Matsuyama
(089) 941-1111
Every Wednesday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Matsuyama Public Heath Center (Hokensho)
Kaya-machi 6-30-5, Matsuyama
(089) 941-1111
Every Wednesday, 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Imabari Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho)
Asahi-cho 1-4-9 , Imabari
(0898) 23-2500
Every Monday, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Niihama Public Heath Center (Hokensho)
Hongou 3-1-5 , Niihama
(0897) 44-4550
Appointment only
Saijo Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho)
Kitagawa 796-1, Saijo
(0897) 56-1300
Every Monday, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Iyo Mishima Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho)
Miyagawa 4-6-53 , Iyo Mishima
(0896) 23-3360
Appointment only
Ozu Public Heath Center (Hokensho)
Tanokuchi 425-1, Ozu
(0893) 24-3165
Appointment only
Yawatahama Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho)
Kitahama 1-3-37 , Yawatahama,
(0894) 22-0600
Every Tuesday, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Uwajima Central Public Health Office (Chuo Hokensho)
Tenzin-cho 7, Uwajima
(0895) 22-5735
Every Tuesday, 11:00am to 12:00pm
Since these health centers offer testing during normal working hours, you might want to take some time off school. However, discussing such an issue with your BOE might make you uncomfortable. If you can't talk about it with your supervisor or a close friend, just let your school know you are not feeling well and need to go to the clinic. These centers can usually issue a note to justify your absenteeism (not always free).
The test is simple and confidential. You might need to fill an application upon which a result certificate will be issued. You must return to the health center one week later to ask for your results. They will not tell you over the phone.
Also, the staff is not always bilingual, so it might be a good idea to bring a friend along to answer the health questionnaire. If that's not possible, here are a couple of words that might help you get your way through it:
STD Lexicon in Japanese
| AIDS |
eizu |
| Blood |
ketsueki (chi) |
| Blood test |
ketsueki kensa |
| Blood type |
ketsueki gata |
| Condom |
condomu (gomu) |
| Diagnosis |
shindan |
| Disease |
byouki |
| Sexual intercourse |
seikou |
| STD |
seibyou |
| Symptoms |
shoujou |
STDs
Some Public Health Offices may also offer STD testing. Please contact them for more information. You can also refer to larger hospitals in big cities. The department that takes over these tests is the Urology (hinyoukika). As prevention is not covered by insurances, the fees for your check-up can become quite considerable. Public Health Offices are usually cheaper. You may also want to discuss this matter with your physician and try to deal your way through it (i.e. if you already have symptoms for a cold, he might be able to do these tests at the same time and have them covered by the insurance).
At any time, please keep in mind that the PAs are there for you. Their help and support is absolutely confidential. You can also find other helpful resources on the PA page.
General STD Information
The following was taken from www.sexualityandu.ca and is current as of 2/05. Please consult their website for more information on sexual well-being.
Syphilis is an infection that can spread throughout the body. Initially, sores may (but not always) appear on the genitals or mouth. This is followed by a variety of symptoms, including a rash (on palms, soles, and genitals). Syphilis is spread through unprotected sex and through kissing (if there is a sore in your mouth). Antibiotics (for both partners) can cure it, if it's caught early, but AT LATER STAGES medications won't be able to repair any damage already done. Syphilis increases risk of HIV. If the symptoms aren't treated, the germs will remain in the body and may eventually cause damage to your brain, heart, nervous system, and possibly cause death. Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear and see if your doctor will screen your partner, too.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection of the genital area. For many people, there are no symptoms. Some people may experience burning during urination, green or yellow discharge (from your penis or vagina), abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is spread through unprotected sex. Gonorrhea can be cured through the use of antibiotics for both partners. Possible consequences include PID, arthritis, tubal pregnancy, sterility, complications during pregnancy, increased risk of HIV. Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear, and see if your doctor will screen your partner, too.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the genital area. For many people, there are no symptoms. Some people may find abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pain with urination. Chlamydia is spread through unprotected sex (including oral sex). It can be treated using antibiotics for both partners. Possible consequences include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, tubal pregnancy, infertility, increased risk of HIV. Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear, and see if your doc will screen your partner, too.
Genital Herpes is a viral infection of the genital area (and sometimes around the mouth). In the mouth, herpes causes painful cold sores and blisters. These blisters can also be found on the penis, vagina, cervix, or anal regions. Herpes can spread from mouth to vagina, and in the opposite direction by oral genital sex, when one partner has an active lesion. During the first attack, it may be accompanied by a fever, headache and swollen glands. Once you become infected with the herpes virus, sores tend to recur over and over every few months for years. Genital Herpes is spread by touching an infected area, or by having unprotected sex with someone who has an active sore.
NOTE: Condoms may not prevent herpes if the infected area and secretions are not completely shielded by the latex condom . Also, there's no cure for this STD. Drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent sores and help to reduce the pain and itching that the sores cause. Possible consequences include recurrent sores, increased risk of HIV, and possibility of transmission to newborn babies. Don't have sexual contact if your partner has visible lesions. If your partner has cold sores, stay away from oral sex.
Commonly known as the
Human Papilloma virus (HPV) or veneral warts. It's a viral infection in the genital area. Symptoms appear as soft, itchy warts in and around the genitals. It can be transmitted through unprotected sex, or by touching an infected area. There's no cure. Warts can be removed with medication or surgery, but the virus stays in your body.
NOTE: Condoms may not prevent infection if the infected areas are not completely shielded by a latex condom . Condyloma increases the risk of genital cancer. Some types are associated with the most common form of cervical cancer in women. It's really important to get an annual Pap smear once you start having sex.
Trichomoniasis (Trich) is a microscopic bug (parasite) that lives in fluids of the vagina, or under the foreskin of the penis. For many of us, there are no symptoms. Some women notice abnormal discharge or pain in their genital area. Some men may notice discharge from their penis. Trich is transmitted through unprotected sex and can be cured using antibiotics for both partners. Possible consequences include complications during pregnancy, common reoccurrence of infection, and increased risk of HIV. Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear, and see if your doctor will screen your partner, too.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Many people don't have symptoms. Others experience extreme tiredness, nausea, achiness, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and dark urine. Hepatitis B is spread through unprotected sex, or by sharing contaminated needles. Most cases clear up without treatment, but some people are contagious for the rest of their lives. Vaccines are now available to prevent this STD, and you can have them administered by your doctor.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Many people don't even know they have HIV because symptoms may not appear for years. Others experience weight-loss, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, persistent fevers, headaches, mental disorders, or severe/recurring yeast infections. HIV is spread through bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk). This can occur during sex, or by sharing contaminated needles. There is presently no cure. HIV causes AIDS, which is considered a fatal disease. Medication slows the progression from HIV to AIDS, delaying the onset of AIDS. Early treatment makes a big difference. It's the deadliest STI and weakens the body's ability to fight off illness. People with HIV become vulnerable to cancer and pneumonia. Always wear a condom, and talk to your partner about being tested for HIV.
Help Lines
Japan HIV Center (Tokyo) Saturday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
(03) 5259-0256 English
(03) 53292-9090 Japanese
Japan HIV Center (Osaka) Saturday, 12:00pm to 5:00pm,
(06) 6882-0282
English AIDS Hotline (Nagoya) Saturday, 1:00pm to 6:00pm
(052) 831-2228 Japanese
Websites
My Sexuality (Canada)
About Sexuality (US)
