New research from Initial Washroom Hygiene reveals that half of male incontinence sufferers are afraid to leave their homes. For many of these sufferers, inadequate facilities in public washrooms - including those at places of work – are preventing them from living a normal life.
The research is part of the company’s new nationwide campaign - ‘Stalls for All’ - that aims to deliver ‘washroom dignity’ for everyone and ensure that people have access to the washroom facilities they need. This first phase of the campaign sees the washroom hygiene company partner with charity Bladder & Bowel UK to raise awareness of the challenges male incontinence sufferers - estimated to be around one in three older men - face.
The research reveals that fewer than just a fifth (17%) of men have facilities in their place of work to dispose of sanitary waste in male washrooms, highlighting a severe lack of support from businesses.
This lack of support is felt particularly by those who suffer from continence problems, with just 36% feeling that their sanitary needs are met when using public washrooms. Such is the extent of the challenges that they face, nearly three in ten (29%) have been forced to carry a used incontinence pad in their bag or coat due to a lack of facilities. These hardships are compounded by the stigma that faces incontinence sufferers - over half (54%) do not feel comfortable telling their close friends or family, and 44% are too embarrassed to seek medical advice.
Speaking about his experience of bladder incontinence, George who is in his thirties says: “Incontinence is completely restricting my lifestyle and social activities. My main concern is that people will find out I have a bladder issue, as I don’t feel comfortable speaking about it to those close to me because of the stigma that comes with it. The lack of toilet facilities at my work also means working in the office is an additional cause of anxiety and stress, which I don’t need”.
Peter is in his sixties and is experiencing bowel leakage: “I’m really struggling to enjoy retirement because of my experience with bowel incontinence, I’ve even had to give up my hobbies which is heartbreaking for me. I’ve been advised on conservative treatment options and containment products, but because disposal bins are only found in women’s and disabled toilets, living a normal life in public is incredibly difficult”.
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovation Manager, Initial Washroom Hygiene comments: “Everyone deserves the right to access the washroom facilities they need, when they need them. Today’s research reveals the shocking reality that many men in the UK face, but this is a reality that can be easily avoided if simple changes are made across the country. This should be a wake up call for all businesses or local authorities with a washroom: now is the time to urgently reassess the state of your washrooms and give your visitors, employees and customers the dignity they inherently deserve.”
The partnership between Initial Washroom Hygiene and Bladder & Bowel UK builds upon the organisations’ individual efforts to ensure washroom inclusivity.
Bladder & Bowel UK supports bladder and bowel health for everyone. It improves awareness of and solutions to continence problems across the country, offering a confidential national helpline, a range of resources, professional training and more.
With six in ten (61%) male incontinence sufferers believing that the Government should legislate to ensure the provisions of better disposal facilities in public washrooms to help those who suffer, Initial Washroom Hygiene and Bladder & Bowel UK are together urging the Government to take immediate action.
Karen Irwin, Specialist Nurse and Service Manager, Bladder and Bowel UK says: “Bladder and bowel problems are a common occurrence, but all too often stigmatised and subsequently undiscussed. Many people with incontinence do not seek help due to embarrassment, lack of awareness of treatment options, or consider incontinence to be a normal part of the ageing process. Incontinence can affect anyone at any stage in life and may be related to other medical issues, for example poor general health, physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, stroke, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, diabetes and many more causes. With severe strains on the NHS in a post-pandemic world, fewer men are visiting their GP to get checked. It is therefore crucial that we create an environment in society where men feel comfortable talking openly about their experiences, and receive the support they really need.”
Discussing the partnership’s goals, Woodhall says: “Not only do we want to recognise and support anyone who has ever faced an undignified or uncomfortable experience when using public washroom facilities, but we want real change. The Government must recognise that a nation-wide conversation is long overdue, and new legislation would go a long way in helping this disenfranchised group.”
