An ostomy bag is a collection system attached to a person to catch stool or urine.
SolStock / Getty Images
How Does an Ostomy Bag Work?
An ostomy bag is a plastic pouch that collects either urine or stool.
SolStock / Getty Images
If someone has aurostomy(an opening between thebladderand abdomen), the bag collects urine.
The ostomy bag has a donut-hole opening.
Around the opening is an adhesive that attaches to the skin surrounding the stoma.
The whole system allows urine or stool to collect naturally in the bag.
The user does not need to do anything to force the contents into the bag.
The ostomy bag is odor-resistant and sealed tight to prevent leaks.
Types of Ostomy Bags
There are several types of ostomy bags that can collect urine or stool.
There are also urostomy bags with valves that allow you to drain urine.
Ostomy bags that do not have an opening or valve must be taken off to empty.
An ostomy bag may be disposable or reusable.
They come in several sizes and lengths and are made from materials toprevent odor.
This prevents the urostomy bag from getting too heavy and pulling away from the body.
It also protects the stoma and skin from excessive exposure to urine.
With some good planning, no one will know that a person has an ostomy bag.
Clothing
A person with anostomy bagcan wear whatever they would like.
Exercise
For many physical activities, anostomy bagwill not create any changes.
Even swimming is allowed with an ostomy bag.
Pool, fresh, and saltwater are all permitted.
The ostomy bag is waterproof and should not leak into the water.
Some swimsuits can conceal the ostomy bag if the wearer prefers that.
Are Ostomy Bags Permanent?
An ostomy bag can be a temporary or permanent part of someone’s life.
It will depend upon why the person needed an ostomy bag and their health conditions.
This includes:
Summary
An ostomy bag is a collection pouch used to catch urine or stool.
Ostomy bags come in many different sizes, shapes, and various features.
American Cancer Society.Types of colostomies and pouching systems.
American Cancer Society.Types of urostomies and pouching systems.
University of Chicago Medicine.A guide to ostomy bags and pouching systems.
