UTI, Yeast Infection & More: OTC Women’s Health Products in Japan

Having a minor health concern that needs a quick fix? These easily available over-the-counter products may help you.

We all encounter health problems from time to time from PMS discomfort and yeast infections to skin flare-ups and the occasional UTI. Instead of relying solely on products from abroad, it can be beneficial to know what’s available locally. This guide highlights a range of trusted over-the-counter (OTC) women’s health essentials available here, including UTI products commonly found in pharmacies in Japan, as well as options for managing irritation and everyday self-care.

Once you get familiar with local brands, you might even find they work better—and are much easier to keep stocked when living here long-term.

The ones listed in this article function in the same way as their counterparts abroad and are available without a prescription. Most of these products cost less than ¥3,500. If symptoms persist, always consult with a medical professional.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

© Photo by Kobayashi

© Photo by Kotaro

UTIs are a common health problem for women in Japan. As a result, there are also plenty of UTI-related medications and supplements available over the counter.

Bo-koren (ボーコレン) is a medication that helps to ease the pain when urinating and helps to wash out the bacteria that caused the infection. Similarly, Gorinsan Ekisu Jyou N Kotaro (五淋散エキス錠N コタロー) helps alleviate these problems and issues, such as feeling like you have caught a slight cold or experiencing fatigue.

• Price: Bo-koren 48 pack: ¥1,600 (approx.); Gorinsan Ekisu Jyou N Kotaro 60 pack: ¥1,430 (approx.)

If the infection doesn’t clear up, see your doctor as soon as possible. However, these UTI products can provide temporary relief when you’re in a rush to grab something in Japan.

Body Skin Care

© Photo by Kobayashi

© Photo by Rohto

If you have rough, red, bumpy skin, then you may have sharkskin (サメ肌, same hada). It’s the colloquial term for skin that isn’t as soft and smooth as it once was or skin that doesn’t respond to regular lotions or scrubs.

In that case, you may want to pick up some Ninokyua (ニノキュア) or Zarapuro (ザラプロ). These two creams work to smooth out these rough, bumpy patches of the skin and can make your skin feel softer as well.

• Price: Ninokyua 30g: ¥841 (approx.); Zarapuro 35g: ¥1,028 (approx.)

Facial Skin Care

© Photo by Chocola

Hormone fluctuations make women more prone to breakouts at certain times of the month or stress-related breakouts at any time. While there are plenty of acne-related face washes, many Japanese women seem to prefer to treat them from the inside out using vitamins and supplements.

Try using Chocola BB tablets or energy drinks by Eisai. These are B-vitamin-rich tablets that contain vitamin C, collagen and other ingredients to treat acne, rough skin and mouth ulcers. There are different types.

For general skin concerns, opt for Chocola BB Plus.

Chocola BB Pure is designed for sudden acne breakouts, while Chocola BB Lucent is formulated to address skin spots and freckles caused by sun exposure and aging.

• Price: Chocola BB Plus 60-pack: ¥1,408 (approx.); Chocola BB Pure 40-pack: ¥1,064 (approx.); Chocola BB Lucent 120 pack: ¥3,278 (approx.)

Constipation

© Photo by Otsuka

Another issue that many may suffer from, especially around that time of the month or if you’ve been traveling a lot recently, is constipation. In times like these, Fibe Mini by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals is just what you need. Each bottle contains 6g of dietary fiber, and it tends to work very quickly. Only drink it if you’ll be home or can quickly get to a bathroom in a hurry.

For more information, refer to our dedicated article on constipation in Japan.

• Price: Fibe Mini 6-pack: ¥771 (approx.)

Vaginal Yeast Infections & Itchiness 

© Photo by Taisho

© Photo by Kobayashi

A vaginal yeast infection is called kanjida chitsuen (カンジダ膣炎) in Japanese. The two most popular and readily available drugstore medications are called Meditreat (メディトリート) by Taisho Pharmaceuticals or Feminina (フェミニーナ) by Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals, which comes in a cream, gel and mist form.

The Feminina cream provides quick relief for generalized itching in the bikini area, such as after shaving or a “lady-jock itch.” If you suspect you have a yeast infection, ask your pharmacist for the insertable tablets, not the cream. If you find that after six days, these products aren’t working, you will probably need to see a doctor for something more powerful.

• Price: Meditreat Cream 10g: ¥1,342 (approx.); Meditreat Insertable Tablet 6-pack: ¥2,489 (approx.); Feminina Cream 15g: ¥1,016 (approx.); Feminina Mist 15mL: ¥968 (approx.)

PMS/Post Menopause Support

© Photo by Tsumura & Co

If you have post-menopausal disorders or neuropsychiatric disorders related to hormones, consider this traditional Japanese remedy, L’amour Q (ラムールQ) by Tsumura & Co. This supplement comes with a comprehensive information PDF that explains its contents and potential benefits in English.

From menstrual pain and hot flashes to over-sensitiveness to cold, this one is a quick fix for many women’s specific symptoms.

These Japanese women’s health products have been trusted for years, so when in doubt, give them a try. Hopefully, you’ll feel better soon!

Note: *The UTI, yeast infection and other women’s health products from Japan featured in this article are not meant to treat severe medical conditions. Always consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Comments