Donegal man backs new campaign for male sanitary bins to help men live well after prostate cancer

When Donegal man Gerry Connolly was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, he had no idea that one of the toughest parts of his recovery would come after surgery – coping with urinary incontinence.

The semi-retired stationery salesman, in his 60s, said that while he was prepared for life-saving treatment itself, he was not ready for the daily challenges that followed.

“Nobody really warned me what incontinence would be like afterwards,” Gerry said.

“For months I would wet myself when I stood up, coughed or laughed. It was very frustrating and such unfamiliar territory.

“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 four months.”

Gerry, who lives in Donegal and travel frequently for work, is sharing his story as part of ‘Dispose with Dignity’, a new awareness campaign from hygiene services company, phs Group, supported by the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

The initiative aims to tackle stigma around male incontinence and improve access to hygiene facilities such as sanitary bins and vending products in men’s washrooms nationwide.

As many as half of all men who undergo prostate removal go on to experience urinary incontinence.

“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,” said Gerry speaking at the campaign’s launch today, November 6 at an Irish Cancer Society conference in Dublin.

“Even now, I still use a pad. Having a bin in the cubicle would make a huge difference. It’s about dignity, not shame.”

Gerry hopes that visible facilities will also help raise awareness.

“If people see bins for men, it’ll start conversations and remind more men to get tested early. That could save lives.”

Underpinning the campaign is new research from iReach, commissioned by phs Group, highlighting the impact of urinary incontinence on men’s confidence and mental health.

Of the 702 men surveyed, more than half (52 per cent) said they feel anxious about going out in public due to a lack of suitable toilet facilities, while 65 per cent have been negatively affected by not being able to find a toilet when needed. One in seven (14 per cent) report feeling depressed about how their life has changed.

Among younger men aged 18–34, the mental health impact is particularly severe, with 41 per cent reporting anxiety and 24 per cent depression.

Over half (54 per cent) of men have struggled to find a bin suitable for disposing of incontinence pads, with nearly half (46 per cent) resorting to using disabled toilets or flushing products away

“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,” said Michelle Lonergan, Cancer Awareness Nurse, Irish Cancer Society.

“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.”

Eoin Foley, managing director of phs Group Ireland said that by installing male sanitary bins, businesses and public facilities can make a real, practical difference to men’s confidence and independence.

“Through ‘Dispose with Dignity’ we’re tackling the stigma around male incontinence head-on, raising much-needed awareness, and calling for solid measures that can give men back the independence and lives they once knew.”