Have you ever thought about encountering a disaster while on your period?
Japan is known as a "disaster-prone country," and is one of the countries in the world that suffers the most natural disasters. To be honest, if a disaster were to occur during your period, when your mood and physical condition are already low, it would be quite depressing.
 
To alleviate even a little of your anxiety, it is important to prepare in advance for the possibility of encountering a disaster during your period.
Relief supplies such as sanitary products from the national and local governments do not arrive immediately, so we cannot rely on relief supplies for a few days.
 
So, this time we will introduce some menstrual items to prepare in case you are affected by a disaster while on your period or if you start your period at an evacuation shelter.

Issues with menstrual care during disasters

Issues related to menstrual care during disasters include:

- There is a limit to the number of relief supplies distributed, and there is a shortage of sanitary products.
・Toilets are unavailable. Even if they are available, if they are crowded, you will not be able to change your sanitary products at your own pace.
-If you don't have enough clothes or underwear, you won't have any replacements if they get stained with menstrual blood.
-If the water stops, you can't do laundry and you can't wash dirty underwear.

1. The current state of evacuation shelters

Many people are worried about whether sanitary products will be delivered to evacuation centers. It depends on the situation at the evacuation center, but in most cases they will be delivered. Although it may vary depending on road conditions, The fastest delivery time is two to three days. Supplies can be delivered faster if a local store provides them for free or if you deliver them yourself.

2. Voices of those who experienced the disaster 

We have compiled some actual testimonials from people who have experienced the disaster.

- "I couldn't wash my underwear and was worried about odors. I was grateful for the material support of panty liners."

・"I started my period right after the disaster, but I found it difficult to ask for sanitary napkins."

・"It was hard not being able to take a bath. Wet sheets that can be used on the body were very helpful."

Must-have menstrual care items

It is extremely important to envision as many different scenarios as possible and have multiple options ready. Make sure you are prepared so that you will not be in trouble in any situation during a disaster.

1. Menstrual cup

Menstrual cups are gaining attention as an essential item in times of disaster. Made from medical-grade silicone, they are durable and can be washed and reused.

It's compact and compact, and can be used continuously for 12 hours, making it ideal for disaster preparedness. What's more, unlike disposable sanitary products, it doesn't produce any waste or have any unpleasant odors.
They are a reliable presence when you are waiting at home or living in a long-term evacuation shelter.
However, since it takes different people to get used to using them, it is important to start using them early and become familiar with them before a disaster occurs. Having them ready so you can use them quickly in an emergency will help reduce anxiety.

2. Napkins, tampons, and panty liners

In preparation for emergencies, it's a good idea to keep one cycle's worth of paper napkins in your disaster preparedness bag in addition to your usual stock. Organic materials are especially less likely to cause skin irritations, which could help ease the inconvenience of periods during a disaster. Easy - to-use napkins and tampons are a safe bet in situations such as water shortages, unserviceable toilets, or when you're feeling unwell. Depending on the level of the disaster, you may need to consider living in a tent at an evacuation shelter, so you'll likely need to keep sanitary products on hand. Panty liners are also recommended for the latter half of your period, when your menstrual flow decreases and when you have a heavy discharge, so prepare them in advance.

3. Sanitary spats

▶Click here for details on the item

We would like to introduce Angelite, a sanitary spats made with functional materials. Angelite is an inner short made with functional materials that prevents stuffiness and leakage. Wearing it over shorts with a napkin inside prevents menstrual blood leakage.

Even if people are forced to live in a prolonged evacuation shelter, reducing the possibility of soiling bedding and other items in a shared living space can reduce the burden of not being able to do laundry and can also alleviate psychological stress.

4. Sheets for delicate areas

During a disaster, you may not be able to take a bath for several days. You may also be concerned about odors in your intimate areas. Therefore, prepare sheets made of fine, hypoallergenic fibers specifically for intimate areas.

5. Large black plastic bag

Disposal of waste is also a difficult issue when it comes to menstrual care during a disaster. It is best to put sanitary waste in thick, black or dark-colored bags to prevent odors from escaping. These bags can be used not only for sanitary waste, but also as portable toilets, rain gear, and mats, making them a convenient item to use in evacuation shelters and cars. Recently, deodorizing plastic bags that reduce menstrual odors have become available on the market. Using these bags will allow you to dispose of waste with greater peace of mind and reduce the stress of menstrual management during a disaster.

Review your disaster preparedness supplies and stockpiles.

This time, we have introduced a lot about sanitary products, as we are talking about menstruation and disasters, but it is also important to prepare in advance for other disaster prevention items.

Sanitary products are a must-have item

Whether you're in a disaster or an emergency, your period will come relentlessly. Getting used to using reusable items like menstrual cups is one way to prepare. If you have room in your disaster preparedness bag, it's a good idea to stock up on extra sanitary products. You can also donate them to those in need.

summary

This time, we've introduced the issues surrounding menstrual care if you're affected by a disaster while on your period, or if you start your period at an evacuation shelter, as well as preparations and measures to take if you end up living in an evacuation shelter for a long period of time. "Prepared" here doesn't just mean stocking up on supplies, but also expanding your menstrual care options in advance. Menstrual cups, absorbent shorts, and birth control pills are still new to Japan, but why not consider incorporating them as one of your options for protecting yourself in an emergency?