Yes, you can absolutely swim with an ostomy, as modern pouching systems are designed to be water-resistant and secure. An ostomy is a surgical opening, or stoma, created to reroute bodily waste. The adhesives used in ostomy wafers are robust and maintain their seal even when exposed to water for extended periods. Preparing your appliance correctly and following a specific post-swim routine ensures confidence and maintains skin health while enjoying water activities.
Essential Preparation Before Entering the Water
Before getting into the water, specific steps enhance the security and longevity of the appliance’s seal. A completely empty pouch is necessary to prevent “ballooning,” where gas expands and compromises the adhesive bond. Planning meals to avoid large output immediately before swimming helps manage this risk.
Check the skin barrier, or wafer, for any signs of lifting or peeling, especially around the edges, as water can exploit these vulnerabilities. Many users apply waterproof barrier strips or hydrocolloid tape around the perimeter of the wafer. These accessories create a larger, more durable seal, offering extra protection against water ingress.
Allowing adhesive products, such as barrier sprays or extra seals, adequate drying time before water exposure is necessary for optimal adhesion. If you have recently changed your appliance, wait at least an hour before swimming to ensure the adhesive has fully cured and bonded with the skin. If your pouch has a filter, cover it with a specialized filter sticker to prevent water from entering and rendering the filter ineffective.
Managing the Appliance During Water Activities
The hydrocolloid adhesives hold securely and will not instantly detach when submerged. Extended exposure to water can cause the adhesive to swell slightly and may reduce the appliance’s overall wear time. While chlorine and saltwater are not damaging to the wafer, they can affect the adhesive’s performance over time.
Water temperature affects appliance security; hot tubs can loosen the adhesive bond faster than a cool pool or ocean due to elevated heat. Emptying the pouch beforehand minimizes output volume and reduces the potential for buoyancy. If swimming in open water, be aware of the increased potential for bacterial exposure, though the stoma itself is not harmed by water.
Gas management is a concern since the filter is covered to prevent water entry. Covering the filter temporarily stops its function, allowing gas to accumulate and causing the pouch to inflate slightly. This ballooning effect is minor and is mitigated by emptying the pouch thoroughly before entering the water. The filter cover must be removed immediately after drying the appliance to restore normal gas release.
Post-Swim Care and Routine
The routine immediately following a swim maintains skin health and maximizes the appliance’s lifespan. Once you exit the water, use a clean, absorbent towel to gently pat the entire pouch and wafer area dry. This removes surface moisture from the pouch fabric and the edges of the adhesive barrier.
To address moisture that may have seeped under the wafer edges, apply a low, cool setting on a hair dryer to the adhesive area. This low heat helps re-cure the adhesive without melting the material. Ensuring the adhesive barrier is completely dry is important, as trapped moisture can promote skin irritation or premature appliance failure.
After drying, inspect the seal visually and tactilely, focusing on the area closest to the stoma and the outer edges. If the seal shows significant lifting or the skin underneath feels damp, change the appliance sooner than usual. Frequent water activities may necessitate reducing overall wear time to protect the peristomal skin.
Clothing and Comfort Considerations
Selecting the right swimwear is a matter of personal comfort and preference, with many options available to support the pouching system discreetly. High-waisted swimwear, tankinis, or one-piece suits offer natural coverage over the stoma site. Patterned fabrics are effective at concealing the pouch and camouflaging minor contours beneath the suit.
Specialized support garments, such as ostomy wraps or supportive swim belts, are designed to hold the pouch close to the body. These garments minimize appliance movement during active swimming and increase the wearer’s sense of security. For men, swim trunks with longer legs or a higher waistband provide adequate coverage and support. The goal of swimwear is to provide physical security and psychological confidence.