Taking a bath with an ostomy can be a relaxing experience, and with a few tips and tricks, you can enjoy it just like before. Here are some practical suggestions to help you manage bathing with an ostomy:

- Keep your pouch on. Most modern ostomy systems, like Coloplast SenSura and ConvaTec 2-piece, are designed to stay secure in water. Many people soak in hot or jetted tubs with their pouch in place without any issues. If your bath time coincides with your regular change-day or if the heat softens the adhesive, consider changing the wafer or pouch afterward.

- For extra security, you can use Coloplast Brava barrier strips around the wafer. A "Swim Wrap" from OstomySecrets.com can also help hold the pouch firmly against your body, making it suitable for hot tubs and baths.

- To manage potential output, try bathing before eating or right after irrigating the night before. Keep a disposable container or plastic bag nearby just in case your stoma functions.

- Warm or hot water is generally fine, but long soaks might loosen the adhesive. You can use a hair-dryer on a low, cool setting to dry the wafer after your bath. Some people wait several months to a year after surgery before enjoying long bubble baths or using heavily-scented products.

- When it comes to positioning, many prefer reclining with the stoma above the water and avoid lying face-down. If you choose to bathe without any appliance, do so only when you're confident there will be no output. Rinse off in the shower afterward and avoid bath oils or "skin-softening" soaps that might affect adhesion when you reapply the wafer.

- People with long-term experiences, ranging from 13 to 50 years with ileostomies and colostomies, have successfully enjoyed ocean swimming, pool use, hot tubs, and regular baths by following these precautions.