{"id":1179,"date":"2025-03-25T11:45:43","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T11:45:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/?page_id=1179"},"modified":"2025-07-09T11:12:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T11:12:46","slug":"intimacy-with-a-stoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/GB\/stoma-support-advice\/intimacy-with-a-stoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Intimacy with a stoma"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n Home<\/span><\/a><\/span> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\n

Sex, relationships, and dating <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

From getting intimate to feeling your best to choosing the right contraception \u2013 we\u2019ve rounded up the unfiltered advice you need to know before diving back into sex after stoma surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Intimacy with a stoma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You probably won\u2019t be feeling in the mood right after stoma surgery. Plus, there are a few extra things to think about before you plan to get intimate. But sex and intimacy matter. And whether you\u2019re married, in a long-term relationship, or looking to start dating with your stoma, there are a few things that can help boost your sex life after stoma surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjusting to your body after surgery can take time, and it\u2019s completely normal to have concerns about body image, confidence, and intimacy. Learning to love and accept your body is an important part of the journey – your stoma doesn\u2019t define you, and it certainly doesn\u2019t take away your ability to enjoy closeness and connection. Feeling comfortable in your own skin starts with self-care, open communication, and finding what makes you feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk it out<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in a relationship, talking with your partner can help you build trust and feel more comfortable after surgery. It also helps them to understand how you\u2019re feeling and eases any pressure you might feel, too. The sexual function for both men and women can sometimes be affected for a short period after surgery.  So, if you\u2019re not feeling like getting frisky, know that it\u2019s perfectly normal \u2013 and it\u2019s not likely to last forever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recovery (with benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How long it takes to get back under the sheets after your surgery will depend on the type of stoma surgery you’ve had. But that doesn\u2019t mean that all forms of intimacy are off limits. Touching, kissing, cuddling, and sharing a bed are sometimes under-rated, but they\u2019ll all help you build intimacy while you\u2019re in the recovery phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sex prep<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ready to dive back in? There are a few things that can help you boost your sex life after stoma surgery. They can also help you feel more comfortable and relaxed, too. Here\u2019s what you need to know:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n