This is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the movement precautions your surgeon, physiotherapist or occupational therapist has given you, and ask them before using any new aid.
Why the toilet is difficult after hip surgery
After a hip replacement — particularly with a posterior approach — patients are often told not to bend the hip past 90 degrees for a period of weeks. A standard toilet seat is low enough to break that rule, which is why raised toilet seats and toilet frames are standard equipment for going home. Away from home, in a shop, a restaurant or a friend's house, that equipment is not there.
How a female urination device helps
A female urination device lets you urinate standing, or perched against something, rather than lowering onto a seat. That keeps the hip out of deep flexion. The Pee Pocket needs only a light hold in one hand — no assembly, squeezing or twisting — so it also works if you are holding a walking aid with the other.
- At home at night, when getting to a raised seat quickly is harder.
- Out of the house, where toilets are low and there is no frame.
- On the journey home from hospital, and at early follow-up appointments.
- For carers, because a single-use funnel needs no cleaning.
Using one safely
- Practise before surgery if you can, while bending is still easy. Our how-to guide walks through it.
- Keep your walking aid within reach and stand with your weight balanced.
- Loosen clothing first. Elasticated waistbands are easiest; you should not need to bend to reach.
- Direct the spout into the toilet — or into a bedpan or commode if your team has recommended one.
- Seal it in the disposal bag and have someone else, or a long-handled reacher, handle a low bin if needed.
Why single-use during recovery
A reusable device has to be washed several times a day, often by a partner or carer, and bending over a sink is its own problem. Each Pee Pocket is individually wrapped with a wipe and a disposal bag, so there is nothing to clean. For the full comparison see disposable vs reusable pee funnels.
How many you will need
Most people recovering at home use several a day for the first few weeks. The 30-pack at $22.99 ships free; the 50-pack carton is the lowest cost per funnel at 68¢. Knee replacement, pregnancy or limited mobility? See urination aids for recovery and mobility. Clinics and care homes can order cartons in bulk.
Questions
Can I use a female urination device after hip replacement?
Many people do, because it lets you urinate standing rather than lowering onto a low seat. Check with your surgeon or physiotherapist that it fits your specific precautions before using it.
Does it replace a raised toilet seat?
No. A raised seat or toilet frame is still important at home. A female urination device is useful alongside it — at night, and away from home where that equipment is not available.
Can I use it while holding a walker or crutch?
The Pee Pocket needs only a light hold in one hand, so the other hand can stay on a support. Always make sure you are stable before you start.
How long will I need one after hip surgery?
That depends on your recovery and your surgeon's guidance. Hip precautions commonly last several weeks, and many people keep a few for trips out after that.