You may know it as “Movember”, but here's a reminder that it’s about more than a great moustache

It’s Men’s Health Awareness Month 2024, and as a provider of solutions to help men deal with personal hygiene and incontinence waste, we see this month as the perfect opportunity to help raise awareness of the problems that men suffering with incontinence may face.

Here are some facts about male incontinence that you may not be aware of:

1. Stigma and underreporting: Male incontinence remains a sensitive issue, and many men delay seeking help. Studies indicate that only 1 in 4 men with incontinence will seek medical assistance, often due to embarrassment or the belief that it’s a normal part of ageing.
2. Types of Incontinence: The two most common forms of male incontinence are: Urge Incontinence: Often associated with an overactive bladder, this affects up to 7% of men in the UK. And Stress Incontinence: Caused by pressure on the bladder from actions like coughing or sneezing, stress incontinence is less common in men but still affects a significant proportion, particularly after certain medical procedures, such as prostate surgery.
3. Prevalence: An estimated 10-15% of men over 65 experience urinary incontinence, with some studies suggesting that up to 1 in 10 men overall may experience some form of incontinence in their lifetime.
4. Impact of prostate surgery: Incontinence is a known potential side effect of prostate surgery. Between 6% and 8% of men who undergo prostate removal (radical prostatectomy) may experience long-term incontinence.
5. Health and mental well-being: Incontinence can have a profound impact on mental health, contributing to issues like depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. A survey found that 1 in 3 men with incontinence reported avoiding social situations out of embarrassment or fear of an accident.
6. Economic Cost: The NHS spends millions annually on the management of urinary incontinence. Estimates suggest that the total cost of incontinence care in the UK exceeds ￡1.5 billion per year, which includes medical care, products, and support services.
7. Lifestyle Impact: Incontinence can limit men’s ability to participate in daily activities, exercise, and work. Research indicates that men with incontinence are more likely to experience a lower quality of life due to the restrictions and self-consciousness the condition imposes.
8. Treatment Options and Success Rates: Treatment options for male incontinence range from pelvic floor exercises to surgical options like artificial urinary sphincters. Studies suggest that 80-90% of men can see improvement with appropriate treatment, particularly if they seek help early.

At Simply Washrooms | B Corp , we firmly believe addressing male incontinence more openly can help reduce the stigma, encourage men to seek support, and improve their overall quality of life.

By providing businesses with hygiene bins for male washrooms, we’re taking an active role in reducing the stigma associated with male incontinence and ensuring male employees get the dignity they deserve in the workplace.?

Do drop us a line if you want to find out more about our male hygiene bins. We’re always happy to give you a free quote.

And for more information about Male Incontinence, we recommend checking out Prostate Cancer UK and Bowel Cancer UK .