This topic explores whether people with a stoma can have voluntary control over their bowel output. The discussion is sparked by someone with a short-bowel ileostomy who notices that their output comes in short bursts and wonders if they can influence this process. They are curious about whether people with longer bowel lengths have more control and which parts of the anatomy are involved in this process.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Most people with a stoma report having little to no true voluntary control over their output. Any extra flow that seems to happen when "pushing" is often seen as coincidental or unpredictable.

2. Some small, temporary influences might be possible:
- Gentle abdominal pressure or consciously "pushing" might occasionally trigger an additional spurt.
- Certain movements, like bending forward or backward or pulling a knee up toward the chest during a natural wave of bowel movement, can sometimes increase immediate discharge.

3. Bowel irrigation, using a cone or catheter, is mentioned as the only reliable way to schedule output. This method allows for emptying most contents at one time, reducing unpredictable flow. However, this is considered a management technique rather than true physiological control.

4. No specific products or brands are mentioned in relation to gaining control. The techniques discussed are purely behavioral, involving positioning, physical maneuvers, and irrigation.