KIDNEY HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH •  MARCH 2026

What Men with Urinary Challenges Need to Know

Every March, healthcare providers, advocates, and patients unite around a vital cause: kidney health. For men managing urinary conditions — whether from an enlarged prostate (BPH), spinal cord injury, neurogenic bladder, or other challenges — this awareness month carries special significance. Your kidneys and your urinary health are deeply connected and understanding that relationship could be life changing.

At Men’s Liberty, we’re dedicated to helping men live with dignity, comfort, and confidence. This March, we’re spotlighting the kidney-urinary connection — and why proactive management of male urinary issues isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting your long-term kidney health.

Why Kidney Health Matters for Men with Urinary Conditions

The kidneys and the urinary tract are part of the same system. The kidneys filter waste from your blood and produce urine, which travels through the ureters to the bladder and exits the body through the urethra. When any part of this system is disrupted — by obstruction, infection, or nerve damage — the kidneys can be affected.

Men with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or catheter-related complications are at elevated risk for kidney complications including:

• Hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys due to urine backup)
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infections stemming from UTIs)
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) accelerated by repeated infections or obstruction
• Kidney stones, which are more common in men with impaired bladder emptying

💡 Did You Know? The CDC estimates approximately around 35 million Americans — about 1 in 7 adults — are living with kidney disease, and as many as 9 in 10 don’t know it. Men with BPH, spinal cord injuries, or neurogenic bladder have a significantly higher risk. Early detection and proactive urinary management are your best defenses.

The Hidden Kidney Risks of Common Urinary Management Methods

Many men managing urinary incontinence or retention rely on one of three common approaches: indwelling (Foley) catheters, adult diapers, or condom catheters. While each may seem like a practical solution, all three carry significant risks that can quietly threaten kidney health over time.

Foley (Indwelling) Catheters

Foley catheters create a direct pathway for bacteria to travel into the bladder and, from there, into the kidneys. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections, and repeated kidney infections can cause permanent kidney damage over time. Men with long-term Foley catheters face a compounding cycle of infection, antibiotic treatment, and re-infection that steadily erodes kidney function.

Adult Diapers

Adult diapers may seem harmless, but prolonged skin contact with urine creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive. This significantly increases the risk of skin infections, perineal wounds, and ascending UTIs that can reach the kidneys. Beyond the infection risk, diapers do nothing to address urinary retention — meaning any underlying bladder pressure that strains the kidneys goes completely unmanaged. The impact on dignity and quality of life is also considerable.

Condom Catheters

Standard condom catheters are external devices, which is a step in the right direction — but they come with their own set of problems. Poor adhesion leads to leaks, and leaks lead to prolonged skin exposure to urine, increasing irritation and infection risk. Ill-fitting catheters can also cause constriction, skin breakdown, or pressure injuries.

This is one of the reasons why Men’s Liberty exists. Our advanced external urinary catheter is engineered to address the shortcomings of all three of these approaches — offering a secure, leak-resistant, infection-reducing solution for men who deserve better. By choosing Men’s Liberty:

• CAUTI risk is dramatically reduced compared to Foley catheters
• Skin stays dry and protected — eliminating the infection risks of diapers
• A patented adhesive seal ensures secure, leak-free wear that standard condom catheters can’t match
• The cycle of recurring UTIs and kidney infections is interrupted
• Antibiotic use — and the associated risks of resistance — is reduced
• Men can move, sleep, and live with far greater freedom and dignity

5 Steps to Protect Your Kidneys Every Day

Whether you’re managing a urinary condition or simply want to keep your kidneys healthy as you age, these steps are for every man:

1. Stay Hydrated. Water is the kidneys’ best friend. Adequate hydration flushes waste and bacteria from the urinary tract. Hydration needs vary by body size, activity level, and health conditions — ask your doctor what’s right for you, especially if you have a heart or kidney condition.
2. Don’t Ignore Urinary Symptoms. Burning during urination, cloudy urine, frequent urgency, or a weak urine stream are not things to dismiss as “just part of aging.” These can be early signs of UTIs, BPH complications, or kidney stress. Talk to your doctor promptly when symptoms arise.
3. Get Regular Kidney Function Tests. A simple blood test (creatinine and eGFR) and urine test can reveal how well your kidneys are functioning. Men with urinary conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease should have these checked at least annually.
4. Reconsider Your Catheter Management. If you’re relying on an indwelling Foley catheter and experiencing recurrent UTIs, it may be time to explore alternatives if eligible. Men’s Liberty’s external catheter system is worn outside the body, eliminating the infection pathway associated with internal catheters. Ask your healthcare provider if you may be a candidate.
5. Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and high blood pressure is the second leading cause. If you have either condition, work with your physician to keep levels controlled. Even modest improvements in blood pressure and blood glucose can significantly slow kidney damage.

How Men’s Liberty Supports Your Long-Term Health

Men’s Liberty isn’t just a product — it’s a commitment to helping men manage urinary incontinence safely, comfortably, and with confidence. Our external male catheter system is:

• Worn externally, reducing infection risk
• Clinically validated and covered by Medicare and most insurance plans
• Designed to work 24/7, through activity, sleep, and daily life
• Trusted by men, caregivers, and healthcare professionals
• Backed by a dedicated care team that helps patients navigate coverage and fit

When you reduce UTIs, you protect your kidneys. When you protect your kidneys, you protect your life. We encourage every man managing a urinary condition to take stock of his kidney health and ask his care team whether there are better options available.

Ready to Protect Your Kidneys?

Talk to the Men’s Liberty team today to find out if our external catheter system is right for you. Reducing your infection risk is one of the best things you can do for your kidneys this March — and every month.

📞 Call 1-800-484-4539   |   🌐 www.mensliberty.com

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your kidney health and urinary management.

© 2026 Men’s Liberty. All rights reserved.  |  Kidney Health Awareness Month — March 2026