Swimming with a stoma might cause some people concern, but with some preparation you can enjoy swimming with confidence at home or on holiday.

Swimwear for women

For women seeking additional confidence and discretion, a viable option is to choose a swimsuit or tankini with higher-waisted shorts. This provides an extra layer of security that nobody can see your pouch. Opting for a swimsuit with a pattern rather than a plain colour might also help, as the patterns can divert attention and prevent the outline of the pouch from being noticeable. When it comes to applying your pouch, some ostomates find it helpful to rotate their pouch sideways, positioning it horizontally across the abdomen.

An option for men is to wear lycra cycling shorts underneath your swimming trunks, they come up a little bit higher and secures pouch nice and tightly.

Most importantly wear what makes you feel the most comfortable. If you feel the need for extra security, why not trying our Contour^™ flange extenders. They stay discreet but bring that additional adhesion to help prevent edge lift.

Filter covers for your stoma pouch

Included in every box of pouches are little stickers, we’re sure you have wondered what they are, they’re filter covers. Use a filter cover if you’re going swimming and you don’t want to change your pouch whenever you come out you just put on one of the filter covers over the inside of the hole of your filter and that stops it being waterlogged whenever you’re swimming. You can remove the filter cover when you are dry.

Your stoma pouch

Whenever you get out of the pool or sea your stoma pouch is going to be really wet, but it should maintain its seal. If you do have the opportunity to towel dry it or change it that would be a good tip. Or, if you are in a private area that you have a hairdryer at your disposal, just run the hair dryer over it, that will dry it until you get home.