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What stoma bag should I wear?
There are a variety of different stoma bags for you to choose from, and you can try a one-piece or two-piece product to see which type suits you best. It is your choice which bag you use.
Your Stoma Care Nurse will usually show you options to help you decide which is the most suitable for you.
Choosing the right pouch is essential for dressing with confidence. A well-fitting, secure pouch will stay in place under fitted or loose clothing and won't show bulges or create uncomfortable pressure on your abdomen.
There are a range of different sizes which are designed to be worn under your normal clothes:
Closed Products
Drainable Products
Urostomy Products
Can I wear normal clothes with my stoma?
Yes, you can wear most of the clothes you wore before your stoma surgery. Many people worry they'll need to completely overhaul their wardrobes, but modern stoma bags are discreet, secure, and fit comfortably under standard clothing. After the initial recovery period (typically a few weeks when your abdomen may feel tender), you should be able to return to your usual style and clothing choices.
The key is finding the right pouch system for your body and learning what clothing works best for you personally. Everyone's experience is different, so what suits one person might not suit another
Are stoma bags waterproof?
Stoma bags are waterproof, so you can choose to have a bath or shower with it on or off. It is up to you, but remember, you will have no control over when your stoma functions. After a while, you will establish a routine for changing your bag and it’s a good idea to keep this as simple as possible.
Practical tips for dressing with a stoma
Finding clothes that work with your stoma is about comfort and confidence. Here are some practical strategies:
- High-waisted or mid-rise clothing: Many people find that waistbands positioned at or above the natural waistline provide better support and help keep the pouch secure. High-waisted jeans, trousers with pleats, and stretchy leggings are popular choices.
- Loose or slightly fitted clothing: You don't need baggy clothes to hide a stoma. A well-fitted pouch under regular clothing is discreet. Looser tops, tunics, and layered looks can also provide peace of mind.
- Patterned and darker fabrics: If you're concerned about visibility, patterns and darker colours can help disguise any slight outline or sound.
- Avoid tight elastic waistbands across the stoma: While tight clothes won't damage your stoma, a waistband that sits directly over the stoma area can be uncomfortable. If you prefer fitted styles, try positioning the waistband slightly higher or lower.
Wearing colostomy and ileostomy bags
Closed and Drainable stoma bags have integral filters to allow wind to flow from the bag very gradually. The filter also contains a charcoal material which will absorb any odour.
Wearing a urostomy bag
A urostomy bag has a non-return valve discreetly placed inside the bag which prevents the urine from flowing back and pooling around the stoma, reducing the chance of urinary infections.
All stoma bags will also have a tap or bung to allow you to drain the urine out of the bag and into the toilet.
Some people with reduced movement in their fingers may prefer to use a tap, as this requires less dexterity, but is usually made of a harder plastic material than the softer bung.
There are a range of different sizes which are designed to be worn under your normal clothes.
Using a night drainage bag
Your stoma will produce urine continuously throughout the day and night. Connecting a night drainage bag before you go to sleep allows your urostomy pouch to empty automatically. This prevents the pouch from overfilling and ensures you can enjoy an uninterrupted night's sleep without needing to wake up to drain it.
You will be advised by your Stoma Care Nurse regarding the type and use of night drainage bags.
Using a leg bag
Some people with a urostomy may choose to use a leg bag, which is attached to their urostomy bag to provide additional capacity and prevent the need to drain as often.
This option might be something you choose for long car or train journeys, if you are unwell or not very mobile.
Swimwear and discretion with a stoma
Building confidence with a stoma
Living with a stoma
Let us help you deal with all aspects of living with a stoma, from those first few weeks after surgery to everyday lifestyle advice, including travel tips, exercise, diet and relationships and much more.
