This topic is all about how to enjoy bathing, showering, and swimming when you have an ostomy bag, specifically focusing on Coloplast and other similar products. If you're new to this, you might wonder if your ostomy bag can handle getting wet or if you need to keep it dry. Here are some helpful tips and insights from others who have been in your shoes:

- Ostomy pouches are designed to handle water. Users of Coloplast, Hollister, Dansac, Eakins, and ConvaTec systems report no issues with showers, baths, or swimming.

- Feel free to dive in and test it out. Most people find their system works just fine. Only make adjustments if you notice any lifting or leaks.

- For showering with the bag on:
1. Empty the bag first.
2. Avoid standing directly under a high-pressure stream.
3. Pat the bag dry with a towel or paper towel, then use a hair dryer on warm to finish drying.
4. Extra tips: Fold a tissue under the tail to catch moisture, or use a small shower cap over fabric-covered pouches to avoid blow-drying.

- For showering without the bag on change day:
1. Many people remove everything to wash the stoma and surrounding skin, which feels extra clean.
2. It's best to do this when your output is lowest, like early morning before eating or drinking.
3. Keep a small pouch or be ready to rinse away any surprise output.
4. Use adhesive remover in the shower, then dry completely before applying a new system.

- For bathing and long soaks:
1. Some users enjoy long baths, even up to an hour, with no issues. The adhesive might get soggy but usually stays intact until the next planned bag change.
2. Wearing snug underwear over the pouch can help prevent the edges from lifting.

- For swimming and water sports:
1. Regular swimming in the ocean or pool is reported to be fine with Coloplast, Hollister, and ConvaTec systems.
2. For extra security, you can brush rubber glue around the flange edges, especially before pool use or heavy sweating.

- For drying after water exposure:
1. Use a layered approach: towel, then paper towel, then hair dryer.
2. Wrapping the pouch in an old T-shirt can speed up drying.

- For those with a urostomy:
1. Continuous urine flow can make bag-off showering tricky, so many keep the pouch on and focus on thorough drying.
2. If the flange edges loosen in the shower, reinforce them with rubber glue.

- General practical tips:
1. Always empty the bag first to lighten it and minimize mess.
2. Replace pouches on your usual schedule, even if they get soaked daily.
3. If you're unsure, consult your doctor or stoma nurse, but many users report no medical issues from getting the stoma or surrounding skin wet.