Separating Fact From Fiction When It Comes to Colostomies

Each year in the United States, about 100,000 ostomies are performed, with colostomies leading the charge. As a result, up to one million Americans are living with an ostomy at any given time.

If you’re facing a temporary or permanent ostomy due to colorectal surgery, we understand that you’re more than just a little concerned about what your life will look like afterward. After all, the idea of your stool exiting your body in a new location, with a bag to capture it, can be a tough concept to wrap your head around.

To put your mind more at ease, the team of board-certified colorectal specialists at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery wants to separate a few facts from fiction when it comes to colostomies. Let’s take a look.

View your colostomy as life-improving, if not life-saving

Any journey that ends with a colostomy has usually been a long and uncomfortable one. Some of the leading drivers of colostomies include:

• Colorectal cancers
• Acute and/or recurring diverticulitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Bowel obstructions
• Anal fistulas

In most of these cases, patients have likely endured months, if not years, of abdominal pain and digestive issues that had no small impact on their lives. Or, in the case of colorectal cancer, which will be diagnosed in nearly 149,000 Americans in 2026, the goal is even bigger — to stop the cancer and save a life.

We bring this point up first to emphasize the fact that a colostomy can relieve your pain, improve your digestion, and even save your life.

Life is not limited with an ostomy bag

Many people assume that an ostomy bag, which is the diversion pouch that collects your stool on the outside of your body, will limit what they can do. 

The reality, however, tells a different story. People with ostomy bags after a colostomy go on to lead happy, productive, and active lives. Ostomy bags function in the background and they’re designed to allow you to follow your pursuits, whether it’s swimming, running, or just playing with the kids.

People will know you have an ostomy

Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to realize that an ostomy pouch isn’t noticeable at all. These bags can be easily hidden underneath clothes and have a low profile. The bags are also designed to seal well and not leak or emit odors, especially if you are diligent about emptying. 

Intimacy with an ostomy is still available

Many patients are concerned about the impact that an ostomy will have on their ability to be intimate. While you will have to make some accommodations and have open communication with your partner, intimacy is still very much available to you.

Some of the accommodations include emptying your bag before you have sex and protecting the bag and stoma (opening) during sex. Aside from these considerations, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy an active and happy sex life with an ostomy.

There is support for people with ostomy

While many people live very well with an ostomy, we understand that the transition can be tough. During this period, we highly recommend joining support groups of people with an ostomy. These groups not only provide support but also encouragement, laughter, and some great hacks that can ease your colostomy journey considerably. If you’re interested in joining one of these groups, we’ll point you in the right direction.

We also want you to know that our team is with you every step of the way, and our goal is to help you move forward. 

So, if you have any questions about the road ahead, we’re happy to provide guidance. To speak with one of our team members, please click here to set up a consultation at one of our five offices in the Fairfax, Virginia, area.