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Keeping active with a stoma

Swimming with an ostomy bag

Swimming is not just fun, it is also a great way to stay fit. It is a low-impact activity that can be wonderful for your health; you can do it your whole life, even with a stoma. However for many who have a new stoma, going swimming can be a challenge. Fear of stoma leakage and worries about how other people might react are generally the biggest concerns.

Some suggestions and advice

Enjoy swimming with your stoma

Take your time, you will get there.

Our stoma bags are waterproof and so it is no problem to hop in the water when you feel like it; Be it in a pool, the ocean, a lake or river - enjoy the water wherever you wish!

The following advice from other people with an ostomy will hopefully give you the confidence to do the activities you enjoy:

Take it little by little; don’t overdo things at the beginning.
You can always start by just putting your feet in the water while sitting on the edge of a pool or standing in the surf at the beach.
Good preparation is advisable; see also the recommendations below regarding stoma appliances, swimwear and additional supplies.
A dress rehearsal or dry run (in the sense of the word) at your home may make you more confident.
It is often advisable not to eat anything before getting in the water so your stomach is empty (concerns people with a colostomy or ileostomy). But of course, you know your stoma best and when it usually starts to discharge its output.

Tips and tricks

Which stoma bag is suitable for swimming?

young woman who meditates on a stand-up paddle board

Go swimming with your usual stoma bag, especially if you use a one-piece bag. Too many bag changes could cause skin irritation. One-piece bags are low profile and almost unnoticeable under swimwear. Two-piece systems mean you can change the bag without disturbing the adhesive skin protector. If you usually use a drainable bag, you may choose to swap it to a closed bag while in the water. It is completely up to you! Our stoma bags are waterproof, along with the adhesive of our skin protectors. Just remember to cover the filter located at the top of your bag if your bag has one. You will find protection stickers of the appropriate size in the packaging of your ostomy bags.

Find additional recommendations for you below, based on the feedback of other people with an ostomy:

Empty your bag before you get into the water.

Do not put on a new bag or baseplate immediately before swimming. Make sure you wait long enough before going into the water, as the appliance must have fully adhered to the skin beforehand.

If you feel insecure, take it one step at a time. Start with a shorter swim and gradually increase the time.

Some ostomates report being in the water for several hours without any problems, but it is different for everyone and you have to find out what works for you.

In general, you do not need to change your appliance after swimming. Just check the seal and as long as it is ok, you can keep the appliance on.

Some people like to use flange extenders, strips or seal rings but those should be considered optional and not a necessity.

If you wish, pat everything dry when you get out of the water. You may bring a hand towel with you just for the bag if you prefer, or use a hair dryer on lowest level before getting dressed or simply let it dry on its own.
Do try things to help you feel confident in the water.

woman in swimming pool wearing swim googles on her forehead

Your choice

The right ostomy swimwear

We are all different. It is up to you whether you wish to show or hide your ostomy. If you prefer not to unveil your stoma in public places, it does not mean that you are ashamed of it. If you feel absolutely comfortable letting others see your stoma bag, good for you. Everybody has the right to do whatever makes them feel comfortable, because everyone is different and no one should be judged. Choose what works best for you.

The choice of your swimwear plays an important role in how secure and confident you feel. This does not necessarily mean that you need to purchase special swimwear for people with an ostomy. Just check how well the bathing suit or swimming trunks fit around or over your stoma and perhaps look for a swimsuit which holds your stoma bag firmly to your body. This might give you more confidence, feeling that everything is "in place".

Here are some ideas and recommendations:

Try different outfits; your choice may vary depending on the occasion, e.g. pool or beach.
You might want to choose swimwear with a patterned material as it conceals the outline of your stoma bag, thus making it less noticeable.
The same goes for swimwear with textures such as ruffles.
If you prefer two-piece swimwear, you may consider high-waisted swim shorts or bottoms combined with a bikini top or high-waisted trunks to cover your stoma.
For more security, choose ‘body shaper’ swimwear that have a panel across your tummy to help keep your bag fixed closely to your body or try tight swimsuits, swim shirts, rash vests or tri-suits.
Additionally, you can combine different 'layers' or use supportive underwear under your swimwear, which can help to make the bag less visible.
Another option may be wraps, the fabric of which dries quickly.
If you are anxious or want to test out different options, do a test run at home. Wear your swimming outfit in the shower and then check your bag, how it looks and feels to help give you confidence to go swimming in public.

woman at the beach, laughin in red bikini with white dots

Practical advice

How to cover the filter of your stoma bag

Before bathing, showering or swimming, it is important to cover the filter of your ostomy bag, if it has one, with the protection sticker to maintain the filter’s performance afterwards. These stickers are provided in the packaging of your stoma bags. Using them is quite simple but varies slightly depending on which bag you are using. Remember to remove the filter protection sticker after bathing, showering or swimming.

Bags with central filter on the upper side

Detach one of the filter protection stickers from the backing paper. You find these in the packaging of your stoma bags.
Place the sticker so that the entire seal mark is protected. Make sure that the gas evacuation opening of the filter is fully covered (see illustrations).

bags with inspection window demonstration

Bags with split cover

Detach one of the filter protection stickers from the backing paper. You find these in the packaging of your stoma bags.

Lift the cover to reveal the filter.

Place the sticker so that the whole area of the filter is covered (see illustrations).

This handling applies to all our stoma bags with an inspection window.

Bags with corner filter on the upper side

Detach one of the filter protection stickers from the backing paper. You find these in the packaging of your stoma bags.
Fold the sticker and place it on both sides of the bag so that it covers the sealing mark and the gas evacuation opening of the filter (see illustrations).
For High Flow, choose the corner with the filter opening (right side when you look down on the bag attached to your abdomen).

This applies to our Softima® Closed (Flat Midi), Softima® High Flow and Softima® Key Closed.