Campaign Aims to End Stigma Around Male Incontinence with Sanitary Bins in Men’s Restrooms
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A new initiative is calling for the placement of sanitary bins in men’s restrooms across Ireland to support those living with urinary incontinence, a common side effect of prostate cancer treatment. The campaign, dubbed “Dispose With Dignity,” seeks to normalize the conversation around male incontinence and improve access to essential hygiene facilities.
Gerry Connolly, a 69-year-old semi-retired stationery salesman from County Donegal, shared his personal experience to highlight the urgent need for change. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, Connolly found himself unprepared for the challenges of urinary incontinence following surgery. “Nobody really warned me what incontinence would be like afterwards,” he said. “For months I would wet myself when I stood up, coughed or laughed. It was very frustrating and such unfamiliar territory.”
Connolly’s story underscores a significant gap in post-treatment care and societal understanding. He described feeling embarrassed and isolated, often avoiding social situations for fear of accidents. “I felt embarrassed about it, even though I know I shouldn’t have. I used to make any excuse not to leave the house and I rarely left it for months.”
Addressing a Widespread Issue
The “Dispose With Dignity” campaign is spearheaded by hygiene services company phs Group, with support from the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. It aims to tackle the stigma surrounding male incontinence and advocate for the provision of sanitary bins and vending products in men’s washrooms nationwide. A similar program has already been implemented in Great Britain.
The need for such facilities is substantial. As many as half of all men who undergo prostate removal will experience urinary incontinence. Connolly believes that readily available disposal options could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. “If there’d been sanitary bins in men’s toilets, maybe I’d have felt I had options – somewhere private to change a pad and get on with my day. Even now, I still use a pad. Having a bin in the cubicle would make a huge difference. It’s about dignity, not shame.”
Raising Awareness and Promoting Early Detection
Beyond providing practical solutions, the campaign hopes to raise awareness of prostate cancer and encourage men to seek early testing. “If people see bins for men, it’ll start conversations and remind more men to get tested early,” Connolly stated. “That could save lives.”
Recent research commissioned by phs Group from iReach reinforces the campaign’s message. The survey of 702 men revealed a significant impact of urinary incontinence on mental health and confidence. Over half (52 percent) reported feeling anxious about going out in public due to a lack of suitable toilet facilities, while 65 percent have been negatively affected by being unable to find a toilet when needed.
The impact is particularly acute among younger men, aged 18–34, with 41% reporting anxiety and 24% experiencing depression.
Michelle Lonergan, a cancer awareness nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, emphasized the scale of the problem. “One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and life-saving treatment can often lead to lasting side-effects such as urinary incontinence that can profoundly affect confidence, social life and wellbeing,” she said. “We urgently need greater awareness of the challenges men face and better facilities that support their dignity as they navigate life through and after cancer.”
The “Dispose With Dignity” campaign launched on Thursday at an Irish Cancer Society conference in Dublin, marking a crucial step toward destigmatizing male incontinence and ensuring that men receive the support they deserve.
