As a new ostomy user, you might wonder whether the activities that bring you joy, connection, and a sense of normalcy will still be possible. Adjusting takes time, but many new ostomy users discover that with the right preparation and support, the things they love are absolutely within reach.
When it comes to water activities, specifically, returning to the shower, pool, hot tub, or ocean can feel like a big milestone. It’s normal for these endeavors to feel intimidating at first while you’re still learning what your body—and your ostomy—need.
The good news is that bathing and swimming with an ostomy are not only safe but often easier than expected. With a bit of planning and the right supplies, you can begin to feel confident in the water again. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get started.
Water Is Safe for Your Ostomy
Water won’t harm your stoma, whether you’re showering, soaking, or swimming. Today’s pouching systems are designed to stay secure, even when you’re fully submerged, so water can’t get into your stoma.
It’s normal to feel a bit cautious at first. Getting comfortable in the water usually starts with learning how your pouch works when it’s wet and finding products that help you feel more secure.
Taking some time to figure out your routine can make it easier to get back to the activities you love.
Prep Your Pouch for Success
A bit of preparation before you get in the water can make things go more smoothly.
Most people like to shower or swim with an empty pouch, since it feels lighter and less noticeable. If you’re changing your pouch completely, let the adhesive set for about an hour before swimming to ensure a good seal.
If your pouch has a filter, use the manufacturer's small sticker to keep water out. Some swimmers also choose a smaller or lower-profile pouch for the day—it’s a subtle change that can make swimwear fit more comfortably.
ABC Medical has a variety of ostomy pouching systems and accessories made for people with active lifestyles.
Boost Your Confidence with Waterproofing Tools
While most adhesives are water-resistant, you may want added stability, especially for long swims or hotter environments.
Barrier strips can reinforce the edges of your baseplate and help prevent lifting. Elastic tapes offer a bit of stretch and adaptability during movement. Ostomy belts provide gentle support, helping keep the pouch steady in currents, waves, or a bustling pool.
Some people also use silicone covers for extra security, especially when they’re just starting to swim again.
When you finish swimming, gently pat the area around your adhesive dry and check to make sure it hasn’t lifted. Using a cool blow dryer can help the adhesive set again without bothering your skin.
Tip: If you’re spending time in a hot tub, be aware that higher temperatures may soften adhesives. Reinforcing your edges can help maintain a reliable seal.
Choose Swimwear That Helps You Feel Like Yourself
There isn’t one right swimsuit for people with ostomies. The most important thing is that you feel good wearing it.
Many women like high-waisted bottoms, one-piece suits with ruching, or tankinis that give a bit more coverage around the middle. Men often choose higher-rise trunks, swim briefs, or jammers under looser shorts or fitted swim shirts.
If you want more support or coverage, adaptive swimwear made for people with ostomies can make a big difference. These suits often have gentle compression and built-in support pockets.
For those looking for ostomy-specific swimwear, two trusted brands offer styles designed by and for people with stomas:
- Ostomy Secrets provides swimwear and underwear created by someone living with an ostomy, offering discreet support and stylish coverage.
- SIIL Ostomy offers additional men’s and women’s swimwear options with built-in features to help secure and conceal your pouch.
ABC Medical’s team can help you find pouching systems and adaptive clothing that work well with swimwear.
Know How Different Waters Affect Your Ostomy
Pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans all have slightly different effects on your pouch. Knowing what to expect can help you make confident choices.
Chlorine in pools won’t harm your stoma or pouch, but staying in too long can dry out the adhesive edges. Saltwater can loosen some adhesives more quickly, and sand might irritate the skin around your baseplate, so it’s a good idea to rinse it off afterward.
Hot tubs are safe, but high temperatures can soften adhesives. Shorter sessions paired with reinforced barrier strips are usually enough to stay comfortable.
You can handle any type of water. It’s just a matter of learning how your body and pouch react, then making small adjustments as needed.
Build Confidence Through Practice
As with any new routine, you’ll get more comfortable with practice. Taking small steps can help you feel more confident in and around water.
Begin with a short shower or a quick swim in a calm pool. Try on your swimwear at home to see how it fits over your pouch. Before swimming, check in the mirror to make sure your pouch feels secure.
Many swimmers feel more at ease carrying a small waterproof kit with a spare pouch, barrier strips, disposal bags, and a small towel.
Tip: You’ll probably feel confident again sooner than you think. Most people at the pool or beach pay attention to themselves, not to anyone else’s ostomy pouch.
Know When to Wait
Sometimes it’s best to wait before getting back in the water. If you have irritation or sores around your stoma, a leaking seal, or a prolapsed or retracted stoma, take time to heal and ask your ostomy nurse for advice.
If you’re still recovering from surgery, check with your healthcare provider before swimming.
These precautions help keep you comfortable and safe.
You Deserve to Enjoy the Water
Your ostomy is just one part of who you are—it doesn’t limit your ability to bathe, swim, or return to the activities that bring you joy. With reliable supplies, smart preparation, and a little practice, you can feel confident in and around the water again.
ABC Medical is here to help you every step of the way, offering trusted supplies, expert advice, and caring support whenever you need it.
Experts are standing by to support all your supply needs. Fill out the form or call 866-897-8588.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/supportive-care/ostomies/staying-active.html
- https://www.ostomy.org/swim-confidently-ostomy
- https://www.ostomy.org/swimming-with-an-ostomy
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/ostomy/newsfeed-post/swimming-with-an-ostomy
- https://badgut.org/information-centre/ostomies/bathing-with-an-ostomy
