Intimacy and relationships with a stoma | by Rachel

Intimacy with a stoma… such an important topic, yet one many of us can feel too uncomfortable to talk about with friends, our partners, or even our stoma nurses. The fact is, intimacy and sexual health are essential to living a full and healthy life. Whether you are in a relationship, dating, or single, having stoma surgery may change things.

Dating brings up the question of whether you tell someone upfront, which I would always suggest, as it allows you to sift through the bad eggs early. In a relationship, both of you are going to experience the after-effects of surgery, both physically and emotionally. For same-sex couples, the surgery you have may change the whole dynamic and role of a person as a sexual partner, which can inevitably alter a relationship.

Sexual health culture is changing

How might your sexual health change post-surgery?

Where do you start?

Practical tips

Above all else…