The Ultimate Guide To Sex With A Colostomy Bag
Table of Contents
Many stoma patients have doubts about whether “sex with a colostomy bag” will have an impact. Colostomy surgery does indeed have an impact on sex and intimate relationships, but this does not mean the loss of sexual function. As long as stoma care is carried out scientifically and reasonably and the correct way of sexual behavior is adopted. All patients can have the perfect experience of Sex With A Colostomy Bag.
Zodelo is well aware of the importance of sex with a colostomy bag for stoma patients. We always center on user experience and are committed to providing the highest quality and most comfortable lightweight colostomy bag, offering you the most comfortable and invisible lightweight experience for your sex life. At the same time, we also provide the latest knowledge and popular science about ostomy care. This article will give you a detailed explanation of the sex with a colostomy bag.
What is colostomy?
To have a good experience of sex with a colostomy bag, you first need to understand what is colostomy? Colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a stoma on the patient’s abdominal wall. When patients suffer from diseases such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, intestinal injury caused by trauma, and congenital intestinal malformations, and are unable to excrete normally. The doctor will connect a part of the patient’s own colon to the abdominal wall to form an opening, which is called a stoma. Feces will bypass the lesion area and be discharged from the body through the stoma and enter the colostomy bag. This can allow the damaged intestines to have sufficient rest and healing, while avoiding contamination by excrement. Colostomy can help replace the original excretory function and assist patients in maintaining normal body metabolism.
1. If you have a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy
- Colostomy: The opening is located in the colon. Since the large intestine absorbs some water, the feces are basically formed. However, the excrement has a distinct smell and the frequency of defecation is relatively close to the natural law.
- Ileostomy: The opening is located in the ileum (the end of the small intestine). Because the reabsorption function of the colon is bypassed, the excretion is in the form of liquid or paste. Moreover, the excrement contains a relatively high amount of digestive enzymes, which can easily irritate the skin.
- Urostomy/Ileal Conduit: used for cystectomy. Only urine is discharged and continuously drained to the urostomy bag through a catheter.
2. What does having a colostomy mean for my body?
- Excretory passage change: Excrement is no longer excreted through the anus. Excrement is discharged from the stoma and needs to be collected and discharged using the colostomy bag.
- Stoma care:The colostomy bag needs to be worn all the time in daily life. colostomy bags need to be emptied and replaced regularly. At the same time, take good care of the stoma and the skin around it. When using the colostomy bag, it can be used
- Daily activities and work:Once the patient has fully recovered, they can resume their daily work. At the same time, one can also engage in moderate exercise, including running, swimming, yoga, etc. However, it is necessary to avoid excessive force and strenuous exercise to prevent stoma damage.
- Sexual life and fertility: Some patients experience sexual nerve effects on their sexual function, such as difficulty in erection or lubrication. Physical and mental aspects may be affected. Female patients can give birth normally after pregnancy, but they need to be evaluated and guided by professional stoma doctors and obstetricians.
- Psychological adaptation: In the early postoperative period, due to the patient’s discomfort with the stoma, emotions such as anxiety and shame may occur. There is shame, fear, etc. in intimate relationships. However, with the guidance of professional ostomists and communication with their partners, most patients can regain their self-confidence and confidence.
How can Ostomy surgery affect sex with a colostomy bag?
After undergoing stoma surgery, the patient’s excretion pathway, body image, and the presence of colostomy bag can have various effects on the patient. It not only has physical and psychological impacts on sexual life and intimate relationships, but also affects self-identity and self-confidence. Studies have shown that more than 60% of stoma patients may experience decreased libido, anxiety or avoidance of sex with a colostomy bag in the early postoperative period. But physical recovery and adaptation, as well as communication and companionship with a partner. Basically, most patients can gradually restore a satisfactory sexual relationship.
1. How can an ostomy affect intimacy and penetrative sex?
a. Physiological aspect:
- Ostomy surgery usually does not directly affect the reproductive organs, but due to the stoma incision or pelvic nerve damage. Some male patients may experience erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. Female patients experience problems such as vaginal dryness, painful sexual intercourse, and a feeling of vaginal tightness.
- At the same time, due to the presence of the stoma and colostomy bag, in order to avoid compressing the stoma or causing discomfort. One might be overly restrained during sexual life, thereby affecting the sexual experience.
- Sensitive and fragile skin around the stoma or a strong presence of the pouch can easily distract attention and reduce excitement during sexual life.
b. Psychological aspect
- During sexual intercourse, colostomy bags may cause a foreign body sensation or concerns about leakage and unpleasant odors. Patients may develop psychological burdens and experience emotions such as anxiety, worry and fear.
- Patients may experience shame and anxiety due to their body image, leading to decreased libido or avoidance of sexual behavior.
2. How can ostomy surgery affect sensations during intimacy?
- Vaginal intercourse: Due to the pelvic hand caused by rectal cancer, pelvic nerve damage may occur, leading to vaginal dryness, elevated orgasm threshold or painful sexual intercourse. Water-soluble lubricants or pelvic floor therapy can be used in combination. At the same time, to prevent the stoma from being compressed, one can choose positions such as lying on the side, having the female position on top, or using a pillow pad to support the pelvis.
- Penile erection and ejaculation: Pelvic autonomic nerve injury can lead to erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation. Erectile drugs, vacuum AIDS, etc. can be used. To prevent the stoma from being impacted or subjected to excessive force, one can choose to lie on their side or back to reduce the traction on the stoma.
- Anal sex: If a patient has undergone permanent colostomy and had their anus removed, anal sex is not suitable. Anal sex is not suitable if the anus or stump is preserved. If anal sex is forcibly performed, it may cause anal pain, bleeding, fistulas or other complications.
- Oral sex: Oral sex has no direct impact on the stoma, but it is necessary to avoid squeezing or hitting the stoma and colostomy bag with the body.
How to sex with a colostomy bag
Although colostomy surgery alters the patient’s excretion pathway, it does not deprive them of the right to sex and intimate relationships. Many people are curious about exactly how to sex with a colostomy bag. The following will explore it from the perspectives of men and women.
1. Intimacy tips for women to sex with a colostomy bag
- Proper stoma care:Empty or replace the colostomy bag in advance before sexual activity. Leak-proof rings or leak-proof pastes can be used to enhance the adhesion and sealing between the skin barrier and the skin to prevent leakage.
- Choose an appropriate position:It is recommended to lie on your side or enter the back position, which can prevent the abdominal stoma from being squeezed and rubbed.
- Use of sexual AIDS:If the vagina is dry, water-soluble lubricants can be used or local estrogen cream can be applied under the guidance of a doctor.
- Psychological relaxation:You can start with non-sexual forms such as hugging, kissing, and touching to enhance intimacy. Or choose your favorite soothing soft light, music or perfume to relax your body and mind.
2. Considerations for women to sex with a colostomy bag
- Sex with a colostomy bag usually requires confirming that the stoma has fully recovered before having sex. The stoma is relatively fragile and prone to injury in the early stage.
- During sexual activity, it is necessary to avoid squeezing the stoma to prevent stoma damage. Or squeezing the colostomy bag can cause leakage and displacement.
- When redness, swelling, itching, ulceration or damage occurs around the stoma, sexual activity should be suspended.
- When vaginal, stoma or abdominal pain occurs, sexual activity should be suspended promptly.
- You should communicate more actively with your partner, telling them what you care about and your comfortable pace.
3. Intimacy tips for men to sex with a colostomy bag
- Proper stoma care:Empty or replace the colostomy bag in advance before sexual activity. Leak-proof rings or leak-proof pastes can be used to enhance the adhesion and sealing between the skin barrier and the skin to prevent leakage.
- Choose an appropriate position:You can try the lateral position or the female upper position to reduce abdominal force and compression.
- To deal with erectile dysfunction: Medications such as sildenafil can be used under the guidance of a doctor. Or maintain a regular schedule and reasonable exercise in daily life to enhance physical and mental health.
- Psychological relaxation: Start with non-intrusive behaviors such as hugging, kissing, and massaging, and gradually wait for the body’s response and physical and mental engagement. You can communicate more with your partner to gain understanding and encouragement.
4.Considerations for men to sex with a colostomy bag
- Sex with a colostomy bag usually requires confirming that the stoma has fully recovered before having sex. The stoma is relatively fragile and prone to injury in the early stage.
- Before and after sexual activity, it is necessary to check whether the colostomy bag is firmly attached to prevent leakage and odor.
- During sexual activity, excessive abdominal force should be avoided to prevent friction and compression of the stoma.
- If you are not in a good state, you should adjust your mental state in time, communicate candidly with your partner, and gain understanding and encouragement.
- When redness, swelling, itching, ulceration or damage occurs around the stoma, sexual activity should be suspended.
- When stoma or abdominal pain occurs, sexual activity should be suspended promptly.
Talk with your partner about sex with a colostomy bag
After stoma surgery, many patients will feel ashamed and anxious about their own image, and also fear losing their appeal and intimate relationship with their partners. In fact, communicating actively with your partner more often is the key to enjoying sex with a colostomy bag.
1. Talk with your partner about the benefits of sex
- Reduce anxiety and shame: Communicating positively and openly with your partner can eliminate unnecessary concerns. Gain the support and understanding of your partner to enhance your confidence and sense of security.
- Strengthening emotional connection:Honest and positive communication can make both parties feel understood and respected, enhancing their feelings and intimacy.
2. When to talk with your partner about sex with a colostomy bag?
- Communicating in a relaxed, comfortable and undisturbed environment can reduce anxiety and unease.
- When asking a partner to help care for the stoma together, it can help the other person understand the physical changes at the stoma site and build trust.
- Before and after sexual life, you can hug, kiss, touch and communicate with your partner. It can enhance mutual intimacy and care for each other’s feelings, and better improve the experience of having sex with a colostomy bag.
Learn the do’s and don’ts of sex with a colostomy bag
1. Can do of sex with a colostomy bag
Generally, it is necessary to fully recover 6 to 8 weeks after the operation and have the doctor confirm the healing before engaging in moderate sexual activity.
- Before having sex with a colostomy bag, it is necessary to empty or replace the colostomy bag. Meanwhile, leak-proof rings or leak-proof pastes can be used to enhance the adhesion and sealing between the skin barrier and the skin to prevent leakage.
- Choose a comfortable position:such as the lateral position, the female upper position, and the backward position, etc., can avoid abdominal force or friction and compression of the stoma area.
- Skin care around the stoma:Use stoma powder or Ostomy Skin Barrier Film. Better care for the skin to prevent friction, leakage or allergies.
- Positive communication: Communicating positively and openly with your partner can eliminate unnecessary concerns. Gain the support and understanding of your partner to enhance your confidence and sense of security.
- Seek professional help: If you have erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness or pain, you can consult a urologist or gynecologist.
2. Can’t do of sex with a colostomy bag
- Early postoperative forced restorative behavior may lead to wound traction or bleeding from the stoma.
- During sexual activity, excessive abdominal force or friction and compression of the stoma area.
- If a patient has undergone permanent colostomy and had their anus removed, anal sex is not suitable. Anal sex is not suitable if the anus or stump is preserved.
- The use of oily lubricants can easily damage condoms or cause infections. Water-soluble lubricants and contraceptive products should be used.
- Ignoring one’s partner’s emotions can affect the feelings of the intimate relationship and sexual experience with the partner.
Pregnancy with a colostomy bag
Many people may wonder: Can one get pregnant and give birth after a stoma surgery? The answer, of course, is yes. The vast majority of female patients can still conceive naturally and give birth safely after colostomy or ileostomy surgery.
During pregnancy：
- Regularly measure the diameter of the stoma and adjust the opening size of the skin barrier and the model of the colostomy bag according to the stoma diameter.
- The skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancyand requires a skin barrier made of soft, breathable and low-allergenic materials.
- Ensure adequate water intake, maintain regular bowel movements, and prevent constipation or intestinal obstruction.
- Regularly visit the hospital to check the stoma and fetal development.
- During pregnancy, the increase in estrogen and body image anxiety make it necessary to communicate more actively with your partner and family to gain support and understanding.
Conclusion - Sex With A Colostomy Bag
Living with a colostomy bag doesn’t mean the end of sex and intimate relationships. As long as one learns to care for the stoma scientifically and engage in sexual activity correctly. Both men and women can enjoy the wonderful sex with a colostomy bag. The Colostomy bag is not a restraint of life, but the beginning of a new life.
Zodelo has always been by the side of every user, constantly researching and innovating the colostomy bag, all for the purpose of providing all users with the highest quality products and the most comfortable experience. Zodelo offers a full range of high-quality colostomy bag products: Airlora Series, Calmlora Series, Mellora Series, Joylora Series. At the same time, we also offer the most considerate stoma care and companionship. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at any time or get our product catalog.
More Resources:
- Intimacy and Sexuality When You Have an Ostomy– cancer.org
- Sexual health and intimacy with an ostomy– colorectalcancer
- Sexuality– ostomy.org
- Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect– clevelandclinic
- Colostomy Care— ncbi
- Colostomy— clevelandclinic
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