Urinary Problems
Surgery to the penis will cause swelling and inflammation, and this may affect the urethra or “water pipe” causing the urinary stream to spray. It may settle as the penis heals but can sometimes be permanent. Men who have had a total or radical penectomy will need to sit down on the toilet to pass urine.
Some men have suggested that while the penis heals, passing urine in a bath or shower rather than a toilet, may help reduce anxiety and be more practical. As healing takes place and you become more confident with any changes to your urinary stream you should be able to use a toilet normally.
Urinary spraying can be reduced by using a urinary funnel (see below).
Urinary Funnels
There are several types of urinary funnel. Most are designed for camping or attending concerts where toilet facilities may not be available.
Although it is unlikely that the hospital where you have been treated will be able to supply urinary funnels, many devices can be obtained by searching the internet. There are also many funnels which are designed for other everyday uses which men have found helpful, for instance-urinary funnel, camping urinal, collapsible funnel, shrinkable urinals.
In the UK Beambridge Medical Ltd, produces a range of plastic funnels which are available on prescription. The male funnel, male funnel mini, flexi funnel, youth funnel and female funnel.
Other devices that are designed for women but may be helpful, are the Whiz and Whiz freedom as well as the Shewee. These are also available on prescription within the UK.
Toilet Keys
In Europe and the UK, it is possible to obtain special keys such as a RADAR Key. These are keys which will open toilets that are not usually available to the public. More information can be found here https://disabledaccessibletravel.com/european-toilet-keys/
Toilet Cards
Several charities and orginisations also produce Toilet Cards which may allow men access to toilets found in shops etc. Further information can be found here
Male Incontinence Pads
There are also different types of protective male incontinence pads which may help with mild urinary incontinence.
Patient Comments
I’ve got camping bottles for the house which we bleach weekly and also some camping sachets for when I am out and about .
The blocking of the gap on the toilet between the cistern and lid with toilet roll helps with a sit down wee.
My radar key is a god send as well. Just gives me time and space when I am out and also I don’t have to worry about the sprayers at events and pubs that like to miss.
I have a radar key and find it really useful, particularly at the cinema, theatre, and places like that.
I have always found it very hard after having a partial penectomy to “aim”. I use the disposable cones when out in public otherwise a sit down wee is often the best bet.
Practicalities of using the funnel: it’s so much easier in a disabled toilet rather than a cubicle as you have somewhere to wash the funnel after use. When I don’t have a bag I’ve taken to wearing combat / cargo style trousers with deep pockets. I store the funnel in a Ziploc bag with a sheet of kitchen roll inside.
The funnel folds flat in my pocket, wash it when I wash my hands. Changed going out or to work for me. Spraying everywhere and on clothes wasn’t for me. These are a god send.
Reviewed November 2023