Female Health Products and Services

Menstrual Products

Sanitary napkins (pads) are widely available in all sizes.
Tampons are less common in stores, but you can find some at convenience stores and drugstores.

For more options, including international brands (OB, Tampax, Kotex), order online from Amazon Japan.

Disposal: Wrap used pads or tampons in tissue or a plastic bag. Throw them in the sanitary bins in bathrooms or dorm trash bins.

Menstrual Pain Relief

You can buy pain relief medicine without a prescription, such as:

  • Eve (イブ)
  • L-Pain 4 (エルペイン4)

If you need stronger medicine, visit a gynecologist.

Gynecology Services

Hitomi Ladies Clinic (near McDonald’s in Muikamachi)

KIKAN Hospital

  • English-speaking doctor available on Fridays
  • First visit costs 7,700 yen if you do not have a referral letter

Pap Smears and Mammograms
These tests are usually part of an annual physical exam at Yamato Hospital (called a “comprehensive health check”).

  • Not covered by insurance unless your doctor thinks it is medically necessary
  • Done in private rooms with a curtain for privacy

Note:

  • Moegi Clinic and Yamato Hospital do not provide regular gynecology services.

Birth Control Options

Condoms
The most common form of birth control in Japan.

  • Sold in drugstores, convenience stores, the IUJ shop, and vending machines in SD2 and SD3 dorm restrooms
  • Protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Available at KIKAN Hospital

  • Must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex
  • Costs around 20,000 yen per pill
  • Follow-up visit is required after your next period (fee: 500–1,000 yen)
  • For emergencies only, not regular birth control

Other Birth Control (The Pill & IUD)

  • Birth control pills are usually given only for medical reasons
  • IUDs are becoming more available, but still limited
  • Talk to a doctor to discuss your options

More Information

Visit Japan Health Information for:

  • Women’s health
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Childcare
  • Helpful Japanese phrases for hospital visits