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.
There are a range of different sizes which are designed to be worn under your normal clothes:
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.
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 perhaps 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 work throughout the day and night, so it is advisable to use a night drainage bag at night.This will allow the drainage of your urostomy bag during the night to prevent you having to get up to drain your bag.
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.
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.
