It’s thought by the NHS that millions of people in the UK are affected by urinary incontinence. And although it’s true that incontinence affects more women, don’t forget about the men.
Figures from Prostate Cancer UK reveal that 1 in 25 men aged over 40 will experience some form of urinary leakage every year in the UK and that 1 in 20 UK men aged 60 and over will experience bowel incontinence.
Furthermore, Prostate Cancer UK reveal in their research that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, and some men experience urinary and bowel problems as a side effect of their treatment.
Where did you last see a hygiene bin?
When asked to picture the location of a hygiene bin, most people will have seen or imagine a women’s washroom — a receptacle for pads, tampons, and associated menstrual waste.
However, hygiene bins serve a wider purpose that is just as applicable to male washrooms. Incontinence items, sanitary waste associated with disabilities, and other personal care waste can be produced by all genders— including incontinence pads, and the byproducts of stomas, catheters, colostomies and ileostomies. As a result, providing a suitable receptacle in every washroom makes a huge difference to the wellbeing of all.
Inclusive washrooms are better washrooms
Men who require access to a hygiene bin are frequently forced to use disabled washrooms, which can cause embarrassment, anxiety and discomfort for those who do not consider themselves to be disabled as they feel like they are intruding. In addition, adding hygiene bins in male washrooms will:
- Improve hygiene: They provide a dedicated and hygienic way to dispose of sanitary and medical waste.
- Prevent blockages: Waste that is flushed down the toilet can cause blockages and costly maintenance issues for your plumbing systems.
- Avoid obstruction: Adding hygiene bins to male washrooms means men no longer need to use disabled toilets, which can prevent disabled individuals from accessing necessary facilities.
- Reduce Environmental impact: Improper disposal can lead to sanitary products entering the wastewater system, which can interfere with treatment processes and contribute to plastic pollution.
- Enhance inclusivity: Adding hygiene bins in all washrooms, including men’s, promotes a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Ensure men don’t feel embarrassed, stress and isolated.
At TWC Facilities we provide reliable and discreet disposal solutions. An essential provision for any organisation looking to support men who are experiencing urinary incontinence.
Recognising that every organisation is different. We offer fully bespoke variable servicing on all of our hygiene bins. They also come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, so you can choose a bin that best compliments your washroom.
There are plenty of simple steps that you can take to make your washrooms more inclusive in the workplace — so, have you considered installing hygiene bins in all your washrooms?
Find out more by contacting the TWC Facilities team today by calling us on 0330 441 0985 or fill out our online enquiry form for a free no obligation quotation.
