Tips to Enhance Intimacy with an Ostomy
Can I still have regular intimacy with an ostomy?
Of course. It is quite normal to feel different about your body after having an ostomy but, these changes in your body should not affect your intimacy with your partner.
Having an ostomy isn’t the end of your routine or relationships. It doesn’t stop a person from going out on dates or having conventional sex. However, it might need a little adjustment. Therefore, we’ll go through a few tips to enhance intimacy with an ostomy. By the way, check out these quality Stealth Belt ostomy wraps.
The Tips to Enhance Intimacy with an Ostomy
Some of the tips include the following:
1. TALKING AND LISTENING
Having a stoma oftentimes changes the image of a person. Sometimes, it goes past the physical worry of having a stoma and could be emotional even. Here is where both parties have to put in work. That work is talking to one another, being open about feelings, and never judging. The second part is listening to what your partner wants as well as assuring them of the unchanged love and attraction.
2. HEAL AT YOUR OWN TIME
The healing process after getting an ostomy can be both physical and emotional. It is important not to rush one’s self. Talk to a therapist with your partner or a medical professional about any complications that might come after the surgery. When you feel your best, your partner will too.
3. GET THE GO-AHEAD FROM YOUR DOCTOR
People recover physically at different rates after getting an ostomy. This can be due to different factors including the extent of the surgery but before considering sex again, it is important to check in with your doctor first. Hopping back on the sex horse when it is not deemed medically safe could lead to unwanted complications.
4. KEEP YOUR OSTOMY LOW-PROFILE
There are many accessories to help keep your ostomy discreet. They include pouch covers, ostomy bags, belly wraps, and other clothing accessories. With your pouch less of a bother, you and your partner would tend to feel a form of normalcy once again and this would boost intimacy as well.
5. DEODORIZERS
There are available deodorizers used to erase the odor of stool or urine in the pouch. Some pouches are made of materials that are odor-free. When you smell good and have less worry about your pouch, intimacy is made easier for both parties involved.
6. PROPER CARE OF OSTOMY POUCH
Take special care of your pouch to avoid leakage and to keep it clean as well. A clean pouch makes everyone comfortable enough to be intimate.
7. TAKE THINGS SLOW AND DO NOT DWELL SO MUCH ON THE SEX
Sex is pleasure and it gets all the right hormones and chemicals flowing in our brains as well as bringing us closer to our partners. However, there are more things that can be done to bring you closer to your partner. Focus on sex alone sometimes puts pressure on either part of the relationship. So, go out on dates, see movies and do things that both of you love.
Having an ostomy isn’t the end of romance and intimacy. In some cases, it could very well be the beginning of a new and good romance.