Male incontinence does not receive much notice. Whether in the news or in our daily lives, it is not a widely discussed subject. Although we may all be familiar with the concept of incontinence and how it affects other demographics, its impact on men is rarely noted. At Initial we are looking to shine a light on this underreported issue and provide a solution for the sufferers. In this blog we will examine the issue, the taboo and what you can do to help.
Issue
In the strictest sense, incontinence is the “inability of the body to control the evacuative functions of urination or defecation: partial or complete loss of bladder or bowel control“. This definition details the general condition, but does not provide any information about the realities and larger issues facing sufferers. Despite sanitary units meaning that the female washroom is well equipped to deal with this waste, men with incontinence may not have the proper facilities for dealing with the vast amounts of waste that accompany this problem.
In practical terms, sufferers of male incontinence may use up to 15 products per day. Although the average number of products used daily is unclear due to the silence around the subject, even if the amount halves to 7 or 8 products then there is still a pressing issue to properly dispose of this waste in a dignified manner at the point of use. Indeed, estimates claim that 1 in 4 men over 40 could suffer from some form of incontinence.
Taboo
However, despite the potential size and severity of male incontinence, taboo surrounds the issue. Men are famously reticent when it comes to their health, especially in relation to such a private and sensitive area. Certain institutions and companies have looked to generate awareness of the condition with a view to promoting the use of the required products , but precious have sought to answer the crucial question of how to ensure a quick and dignified method of disposing of these products.
Indeed, sufferer Mike Ridley Smith notes the difficulty of disposing of this waste: “ People would give me looks for using a disabled bathroom, despite not being in a wheelchair, and I had many questions from people about why I carried a bag around all the time.” Having to then carry around a used incontinence product while searching for a suitable bin is degrading. Male washrooms must stop being so woefully unequipped to deal with this large scale issue; disposal facilities must be regarded in the same manner as sanitary units are in female washrooms.
Solution
We are delighted to introduce our new Male Hygiene Unit. This bespoke bin is fitted with a large modesty flap capable of receiving larger incontinence products. The unit is narrow enough to fit alongside the toilet in the cubicle, allowing for the discrete disposal of waste. By equipping each cubicle with the correct facilities and allowing for the private disposal of the waste, user dignity is safeguarded and sufferers can get their days back on track.
So if you’re looking to tackle this under reported issue, then contact us for more information.