by Brianna Crandall — January 15, 2016—Vectair Systems, innovator in hygiene technology, is taking the lead in encouraging establishments to provide hygiene waste bins in men’s toilets, by spreading the word about the issues associated with urinary incontinence. It is taking inspiration from a recent initiative in Germany, led by the Federal Association of Prostate Self-Help (BPS) in association with the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga).
Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing problem that can necessitate wearing special inlays, yet many men’s washrooms lack a discrete, hygienic way to dispose of them.
According to a study, more than 5 million men in Germany (12% of the male population) are suffering from urinary incontinence, especially after prostate surgery. However, less than 2 million of those dealing with the condition seek medical treatment.
Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing problem which can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, points out Vectair Systems. Men with urinary incontinence may have to wear special inlays that have to be changed frequently, however many men’s washrooms currently lack a discrete, safe and hygienic way to dispose of these.
The Federal Association of Prostate Self-Help (BPS) in Germany recognized this, and have proactively launched an initiative to promote the supply of hygiene bins in men’s toilets called the Initative für Hygienebehälter in Herrentoiletten. It aims to help men suffering from urinary incontinence enjoy an active social life without barriers. Legislation was also passed in Germany in 2013 that instructed establishments to install at least one hygiene bin (incorporating a lid so waste is hidden) in each men’s washroom so that men can easily dispose of their hygiene waste.
The National Health Service (NHS) estimates that between 3 and 6 million people in the U.K. may have some degree of urinary incontinence, and many of these are men. However, it is uncommon to see sanitary waste bins in men’s toilets around the U.K.
So Vectair Systems — who, for more than three years has been in partnership with The Eve Appeal women’s cancer charity to raise awareness of women’s gynecological cancers — is committed to supporting men and their equal need for suitable waste disposal in the washroom.
Paul Wonnacott, managing director, Vectair Systems, says, “We have taken steps to help women and we would like to help men, too. We hope that, through spreading the word about men’s washroom needs, we can encourage public places like hotels, restaurants and offices to provide a suitable and discreet solution for men’s sanitary waste.”
For further information, Vectair offers links to current German legislation and NHS information on urinary incontinence.
