Women soccer fans should play it safe when travelling to the World Cup as access to contraception is severely restricted in Japan, the Irish Family Planning Association warned yesterday.
The association said its experience was that "major sporting events, both at home and abroad, always give rise in an upsurge in demand for the morning-after pill".
Emergency contraception is not authorised in Japan and is only available in a limited number of outlets at a cost of between €400 and €500.
"Fans should therefore take precautions and include contraception in their luggage even if they don't expect to be sexually active," a statement said.
Those seeking to score off the pitch are also advised to stock up on condoms which, although they are widely available, can be expensive in the Far East.
And even if Ireland get through the first round the advice still applies, as family planning programmes are still being developed in South Korea.
Fans at home were also warned to be cautious.
"During Ireland's participation in the World Cup in 1994 demand for our services increased domestically. With matches kicking off much earlier this time round, we expect there will be even more partying, and when people are off guard they will make mistakes," the association said.
The IFPA operates a contraceptive information helpline on Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tel: 1850 42 52 62