It's time to flush the stigma.

Urinary incontinence in men is more common than you might think. An estimated 51% suffering from symptoms at some point in their lives.

1 in 25 men over the age of 40, and 1 in 3 men over the age of 65 will suffer from urinary incontinence. It can affect men as young as 18 years old.

Urinary incontinence can be temporary or permanent and can happen for a number of reasons including cancers (especially prostate cancer in men), neurological conditions, nerve damage, spine damage, urinary tract infections, medications, obesity, and pelvic floor muscle weakening.

Of the UK men identified as suffering from urinary incontinence, 78% said they were anxious about leaving home for work due to the lack of places to dispose of sanitary pads etc. This is something we can work to improve.

We have created a campaign to help normalise this common condition and encourage people to be more open and seek help. We hope that employers assess the facilities they currently provide at worksites and consider how to improve provisions for all.

What’s the bottom line for employers?

• 1 in 5 organisations are spending money unblocking men’s toilets because incontinence products are being incorrectly disposed of, with a cost of up to £5000.
• Installation of one bin (onshore) costs £29-£108 per annum.
• Bags suitable for disposal of incontinence pads/pants and stoma bags cost less than 5p each.
• The dignity of those affected by incontinence…. priceless.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime – but most can be successfully treated, especially if caught early. Check your risk of developing prostate cancer and find out more from Prostate Cancer UK.