Incontinence
Incontinence is a common side effect of prostate cancer surgery. It can be an annoying, inconvenient and embarrassing condition. Incontinence may last for a varying lengths of time and is affected by the extent of the surgery, your physical condition and lifestyle factors. Your urologist should advise you on how to prepare for and manage this.
You can also find valuable information and assistance through the Continence Foundation of Australia website or helpline 1800 33 00 66.
Incontinence products
You will probably need to use incontinence products such as pads and pants during your recovery. They are available in pharmacies and online through companies such as Tena and Independence Australia
You may be eligible to have the cost of your incontinence products covered by Services Australia through the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS). Refer to Continence Aids Payment Scheme – Services Australia for eligibility criteria and application forms.
During Men’s Health Week and Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, Tena and PCFA often have an arrangement where substantial discounts are offered on Tena incontinence products.
Public toilets with incontinence bins
For men who use incontinence products, there are limited places where these can be disposed of. This can make them anxious and uncomfortable, not wanting to leave their homes and join in everyday activities.
Bins4Blokes.org.au is an organisation promoting the installation of incontinence bins in male public toilets. The City of Mandurah is very supportive of this initiative and the full list of public toilets including those with male incontinence bins is available on their website Public toilets | City of Mandurah.