Showering with an ostomy bag can be a bit of a concern for new ostomates, especially when it comes to wondering if the pouch or seal needs any special protection from water. Here are some helpful insights and advice from experienced ostomates:

1. No special protection is needed for normal showering. Many people with ostomies, using systems like Hollister or Convatec SureFit, simply shower, swim, or bathe with the bag on. These appliances are designed to handle getting wet. After showering, you can towel-dry or blot the pouch with a paper towel, and some people give it a gentle shake. Most report that their appliances last 4 to 7 days, even with daily soaking. However, it's wise to limit time in very hot tubs.

2. Showering with the bag off is an option, especially for those using two-piece systems or on change-day. Some people remove the pouch, enjoy a full body shower, then pat the stoma area dry and apply a new bag. Nurses often confirm that it's perfectly fine and refreshing to let warm water wash over the stoma.

3. If you want to keep the spray off the pouch or wafer for comfort or if you have fabric-covered bags, you can turn your back to the shower or use a handheld spray to control the direction. Some people use a homemade waist-high "mini-shower curtain," a plastic hospital apron, or a baby bib as a barrier between the skin and pouch after showering.

4. For quick-dry or stay-dry tricks, a simple towel blot is the fastest method for many. Using a hair-dryer on medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds can leave the pouch bone-dry, though some avoid dryers due to convenience or heat concerns. Newer plastic-film pouches without fabric dry with just one pat.

5. DIY waterproof covers and caps can be made using Glad Press’n Seal wrap and waterproof tape around the edges. You can fold the emptied pouch upward, secure it with Scotch tape or a rubber band, and cover it with a disposable hotel shower cap, kitchen plastic wrap, or Saran Wrap. A 4-inch Tupperware bowl held over the wafer can keep it relatively dry. Commercial "bag caps" are available on Amazon, and some users create a reusable shower cap by cutting an old two-piece pouch flange, sandwiching Saran Wrap between the flanges, and snapping it on.

6. Special notes for specific systems include that Hollister fabric-covered pouches may stay damp longer, so blow-drying or using a protective cover can help. Convatec all-pectin wafers can benefit from waterproof tape around the wafer edges to prevent lifting. Urostomy users often keep the bag on at all times to avoid uncontrolled output.

7. For swimming and other water activities, many members report spending hours in pools, oceans, and lakes without any issues. The post-water routine is the same as showering: towel-dry the pouch and wafer.

8. The frequency of changing the appliance typically ranges from 3 to 6 days, depending on activity level, season, and the type of appliance used.