Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teatoast]

Hey, I've heard that its possible to buy over the counter contraceptive pills in Korea but am wondering whether progesterone only pills are available? I'm set to leave with epik in February and my doctors will only give me a 6 month supply

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I can't say for sure, but you should be able to find something comparable here, even if you have to get a prescription for it. Doctor visits are pretty cheap with health insurance.

[ayahyaha]

If you're American this might work for you -- I went to a Planned Parenthood before leaving the USA, told them I was going to Korea for a year and didn't want to disrupt my birth control in any way. They handed me a year's supply and two emergency pills.

They work on a sliding scale for how much you pay, but it's still very cheap and worth it for having pills that I *know*.

[12ax7]

They are sold over the counter here, but I recommend you visit a doctor for a prescription since health insurance covers a large percentage of the cost of medicine (ask for a few months' supply to increase your savings since it costs 3000 to 4000 won per visit). Ask for pi-him-yak.

Here's the most comprehensive information I could find on the subject:

http://kimchiowner.wordpress.com/2010/11/13/b-c-in-the-r-o-k-the-mystery-of-korean-birth-control-solved/

[teatoast]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I'm from the UK so am thinking about going to a Family Planning Clinic and explaining the issue to them in full...I don't think my Doctor could have cared less about it!

Good to know that I'd be able to sort it out from Korea too though, thanks again!

[busanliving]

Depends which brand you take as to whether you can buy it over the counter or not. Koreans generally don't question their doctors so ive found some doctors have been quite reluctant to discuss different pill options with me. If this happens I refuse their prescription and find another doctor.

[TheBebbins]

Hi tea toast,

I am also from the UK and was lucky enough to get a years supply from my doctor. I have been here for almost two years now and take Yasmin which is not always easy to get a prescription for back home let alone anywhere else. Anyway I didn't want to change my pill and was pleasantly surprised when I went to my local doctor here. I say local doctor - I had never been to this one before, it was literally one at the end of my street, they were very kind and accomodating. After explaining precisely what I needed I got my prescription easily and picked it up in the chemist in the local emart.

Therefore don't worry, you should find a doctor to help you.