BINS4Blokes is a national initiative to bring attention to incontinence in men.
Incontinence is a lack of control over urination or defecation. It is a significant public health issue. 1.34 million Australian boys and men live with incontinence. However, the shame and stigma attached to incontinence means that it is something we rarely discuss.
One of the results of failing to discuss incontinence is the lack of incontinence bins in public restrooms. For men and boys who use incontinence products, it can be difficult to find places to throw out their products discretely.
While that may not seem like a major problem, it can have a very negative impact on quality of life. Men and boys resist joining in everyday activities because of fears related to using their incontinence products. They may choose to stay at home instead of going out in public.
The BINS4Blokes initiative has three objectives:
- Get BINS4Blokes incontinence bins in male toilets throughout Australia.
- To provide a resource for men and boys living with incontinence, the National Continence helpline. The Helpline can provide them with help living with incontinence.
- To raise awareness of and de-stigmatise incontinence.
Hygiene Bins for Men
While hygiene bins for women are a given in women’s restrooms, they are rarely found in men’s rooms.
Because these bins have been associated with feminine hygiene and menstruation, many people do not even see a need for these bins in men’s rooms. That is not because of people intentionally choosing to discriminate against men experiencing incontinence. Instead, it is because people are generally unaware of the issue of incontinence in men.
BINS4Blokes Partners
The BINS4Blokes initiative has led to partnerships with commercial buildings throughout Australia. Partners include:
- Sporting Venues
- Office Buildings
- Business Parks
- Shopping Centres
- Aged Care
- Factories
- Health and Fitness Facilities
- Local Council Facilities
When you ask men about incontinence, it becomes clear that they still feel like there is a stigma attached to the condition.
- The majority (57%) of men with incontinence hide their condition.
- Half of them avoided being in scenarios where they did not have easy access to a toilet.
- More than a quarter of them avoid socializing, except for with close friends and family, because of the stigma of incontinence.
The Emotional Impact of Incontinence
The stigma of incontinence impacts more than bathroom behaviors. There is a clear link between incontinence and depression.
Incontinence can also lead to withdrawal:
- Work
- Social
- Physical
- Sexual
- Medical
Medical isolation can be the worst. Men fail to ask about incontinence, which means that they do not get the information they need to manage the condition.
Flick and BINS4Blokes
Flick has been an industry leader in cubicle sanitary service. That means we were positioned to help the BINS4Blokes initiative. We can provide sanitary bins and provide sanitary services designed to meet your sanitation needs. Contact us today to get started.
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