The Health and Welfare Ministry officially approved the low-dosage oral contraceptive pill Wednesday, nine years after receiving the first applications.

Although pills of high and medium dosages have long been approved for treatment of menstrual disorders, it is the first time the pill has been officially approved for use as a contraceptive in Japan.

A total of 16 products from nine pharmaceutical companies received the stamp of approval from Health Minister Sohei Miyashita, two weeks after the standing committee of the Central Pharmaceutical Affairs Council recommended approval.