UTIs and Colostomy Bags: Seeking Advice

Do any of you ladies out there get UTI infections because of your colostomy bag? I have been getting them, and I wondered if it had anything to do with the colostomy bag being so close to your vagina. I wear my colostomy bag inside my underwear. Because of the cancer that I had, I have to wear underwear 24/7, so I never have any free time without tight special underwear that holds 4 cups of urine. I clean myself really well, but I keep getting UTIs. Could it be the bag, you think?

Hi Wamherky, your question is, could your stoma appliance be the cause of a UTI?

In principle, the appliance is well-sealed, and if you change it hygienically, that's not possible. You also mention that you keep yourself clean, so that's not the problem either.

Now, I don't know how much of your bowel was removed, but it's possible that your stoma is preventing you from retaining fluids properly.

If that's the case, you're much more likely to develop a UTI.

So my question is, are you drinking enough? Try drinking more water throughout the day and use cranberries to naturally flush out your urinary tract. Also, try to minimize your sugar intake. Good luck, I hope this helps. And if it doesn't help, see a doctor. There might be another cause.

I have a colostomy and have not had this issue. I wonder if this “tight” underwear you have to wear might be a contributor?

I do not tuck my bag into my undies, though.

I hope you can figure this out, as I am sure it is quite irritating.

Good luck.

Well, I have a urostomy in addition to my colostomy, so it's not a problem for me. 🤣

But I have to wonder when you say your underwear needs to hold 4 cups of urine... that makes it sound like you are having incontinence issues caused by your cancer or the cancer treatment. This is quite common.

I had massive problems with incontinence after chemo and radiation, but before my surgery, and I know how miserable it can make you.

I think incontinence and tight underwear could lead to UTIs on their own.

If you are still worried about a relationship to the colostomy, try switching to closed-end bags at least temporarily. There's no outlet on the bag. These are used with 2-piece systems, and you change the bag (but not the wafer/baseplate) every time. With no outlet and a clean bag every time, there's no source of contamination. If it fixes the problem... great. If it doesn't fix the problem, then you know it isn't related to the colostomy.

Is there a reason you can't wear your bag outside your underwear? I don't think it is causing the problem, but one way to test it is to try that. The other is to consider your tight underwear and it holding 4 cups of urine. Having that much urine against your skin can cause a UTI. I can understand your need for them; maybe you could change them more often? Another thing is they say cranberry juice is good for preventing UTIs. You might look into that and try drinking cranberry juice.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Hi, I keep on getting UTIs, and I have an ileostomy. I am still figuring out why it keeps on coming back. One of my doctors told me that it could be that I have a leak somewhere. I am still not getting anywhere with my UTIs. I also had UTIs before my surgery, but holding it in the underwear will only make the UTIs worse.

What I was wondering is, due to my operation and the second operation, I am totally incontinent. I mean totally. I wear special underwear that was designed for astronauts because it holds so much more urine than other underwear. I have to change every three or four hours, and my colostomy bag hangs down near that area. While emptying my wafer and touching it, that's the poop area. I wonder if some way me dealing with the wafer and wiping all the time and changing my underwear could cause poop to get near my vagina. When you have urine all the time pressing up against yourself and with tight underwear, nothing ever is dry.

One of the other problems is that I have kidney stones and gallstones. I have passed some through my colostomy bag. I have to be careful about cranberry juice because it can cause kidney stones. The odd part about it is that I've had my colostomy bag for eight years now, and I've only started getting infections in the last three years. I'm kind of bedridden.

So lying down may be a problem. I wonder if that could be the issue.

I think you're right about the tight underwear and being wet most of the time. I change every 4 hours. The thing that amazes me is that the underwear I wear was designed for astronauts. The problem is that it's so expensive, and it isn't covered by insurance. I spend about $350 a month on underwear. I am in bed a lot, and I'm wondering if that could be the problem. I was going to the doctor so often because of the neuropathy in my feet; I just don't feel like walking a lot, even though it's best. At the beginning of last week, I decided to get off my butt and walk, do whatever it takes. I am very determined. It's hell getting old. 😂

Your situation sounds miserable. Have you looked into something like the Pure Wick system for while you are in bed? I think that would give you a bit of a break and cut down on the diaper use. I suspect it's expensive, but given the cost of those diapers... it might ultimately save you money.

I also have peripheral neuropathy. Mine was caused by chemo. My neurologist described it like trying to walk on a water bed. I love that description because it exactly captures what it's like. You might consider using hiking sticks... they allow you to stand up tall. The feedback from the walking stick helps your brain know where you are in space. It makes walking much easier. Even if you just walk from the bed to the comfy living room chair, it is important to your psychological health to move around even if you aren't feeling up to doing much. The more you do, the more you'll feel like doing.

And yes, you're right... it's hell getting old!

Dear Wamherky, I understand your situation is complicated, and it's very difficult for us to offer online advice.

If possible, try to discuss your questions and concerns with a doctor or other professional. Sometimes a maintenance dose of antibiotics is recommended if you have frequent bladder infections.

But it's also possible that a different care routine would be a better solution. I read that SusanT also has tips that might help you.

Best of luck with your situation, and try to keep looking for improvement.

Never thought "The Golden Years" would reference urine, did you?

I have a recto/vaginal fistula, so it increases my risk of UTIs. Since I was 16 years old, I've had infections and didn't get Crohn's with a fistula until I was 64 years old. The bag doesn't cause UTIs, but your immunity has dropped. I use Vagifem estrogen in my vagina, as menopause really increased my UTIs. Also, keep the area clean and even apply antibacterial cream to your urethra. Since my colostomy is a loop, stool and mucus leak out, so I need to be vigilant to minimize my UTIs. Amazon has a nice garment to secure your bag - Corsinal Stoma Safe Plus Ostomy Support Garment. I wear it and have my underwear over it when I go out.