Voices from Real-Life Experiences
Unable to wash underwear, many were concerned about odor and hygiene. The supply of panty liners was greatly appreciated.
My period started right after the disaster, but I found it difficult to ask for sanitary pads.
Being without makeup was stressful; I wore a mask most of the time.
Physical and mental stress can increase, especially in environments where washing underwear is difficult
Women are more prone to physical discomfort during disasters due to lack of cleanliness, cold, and stress, which can lead to irregular menstruation or bladder infections. It’s recommended to use delicate wet wipes to clean the body and eliminate odors.
In evacuation shelters, washing underwear may not be possible. Use panty liners and urinary care products effectively. Not being able to wear makeup can also be a source of stress. Masks help protect privacy as well as from dust and cold.
Unicharm's Recommended Hygiene Products for Women
- Sanitary napkins (day/night types)
- Tampons
- Menstrual underwear
- Body-piece sanitary products (e.g., "Synchro Fit")
- Panty liners - useful when changing underwear is difficult
- Light incontinence care products
- Delicate wet wipes - for intimate hygiene when bathing is not possible
Product Information
Other useful items
- Makeup remover sheets
- Oral care items
- Waterless shampoo
- Facial towels
- Aromatherapy oils
- All-in-one skincare products
- Facial cotton pads
LET’S TRY
If you’re experiencing increased vaginal discharge, consider using a panty liner.
Boost your Disaster Preparedness!
Ⅰ. Prepare before your first period
Many of the challenges women face during disasters are related to menstruation. Even if a girl hasn’t had her first period yet, it may begin during a time when lifelines are disrupted after a disaster.
To avoid anxiety in such situations, it’s important to start preparing from around upper elementary school age. Along with learning about their bodies, girls should have sanitary pads and period underwear ready in advance.
Ⅱ. Build disaster resilience through daily habits
Women are more likely to experience health issues if they can’t access a toilet, and may struggle to move heavy objects that fall during a disaster. However, many of these issues can be mitigated through daily habits.
Here are some tips to incorporate into your routine:
- Use the toilet whenever possible, as they may become unusable immediately after a disaster.
- Keep your home tidy and ensure clear evacuation routes.
- Always stock at least one extra cycle’s worth of sanitary products.
Ⅲ. Consider personal safety measures
It is said that crime rates during disasters can be up to three times higher than usual. After major earthquakes, hotlines set up for women received hundreds of reports of violence and sexual assault. Toilets in evacuation shelters may not be close to living areas and can be in isolated locations.
To stay safe, avoid acting alone—even if you live by yourself. Discuss in advance with family, friends, or coworkers how you can stay together during emergencies.
4. Prepare for waste disposal challenges
One of the major concerns for women during disasters is how to dispose of sanitary waste. Temporary toilets may not have bins for used pads or panty liners. It’s helpful to have opaque (preferably black) plastic bags both at home and in your emergency kit for discreet disposal.
Using body-worn sanitary products like "Synchro Fit" together with pads can reduce menstrual waste by about 36%.*
*Based on comparisons using Unicharm products.