View Health:Menstruation
Most Western women have no problem obtaining satisfactory sanitary products in Japan. Most bring a plentiful supply from home to use when they first arrive, until they become familiar with shopping in general. Among Japanese women, pads are far more popular than tampons and both can be bought from supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores, as in our home countries.
Difficulties arise if you want to use washable or unbleached sanitary products. Although they are becoming increasingly popular amongst Japanese women, they are still difficult to find due to Japanese import regulations, which are determined and imposed by a group of sanitary product manufacturers.
Japanese women have a higher awareness of dioxin contamination than their Western counterparts. If you feel concerned about dioxins but uncomfortable about reusable sanitary products, then look for products that contain no plastic, either in the wrapping or in the applicator. In Japan these products have a picture of a cotton plant on the packaging.
You will find sanitary disposal boxes in most toilets in Japan, including in private homes. Be sure to use the disposal boxes rather than flushing your paper and plastic waste down the toilet.
Regarding pain relief, a variety of over-the-counter medicines are available at any pharmacy at reasonable prices. If you object to taking medicine, a range of aromatherapy products is also available (see the Alternative Health section) and, in case you didn’t know, one of the best cures for menstrual cramps is an orgasm!