The 3 Dating Tips To Follow When You Have An Ostomy Bag

By Patrick Banks

Posted 2 years agoHEALTH

Dating can be a challenge, even on a good day. Meeting the person you click with can be challenging to pull off. Sometimes you must date for a while before you can find the person you want to go on a second date with. People that need ostomy bags have it even more challenging. Dating when you have an issue such as this can really complicate things. 

Although ostomy bags can improve one’s health and quality of life, they can also be a source of anxiety, embarrassment, and shame. Many people with ostomies worry about how their potential partners react to their bags. In this article, we’ll go over some tips so you can date while wearing an ostomy bag. 

    1. Overcoming insecurities

Living with an ostomy bag can be a life-changing experience that can affect how you feel about yourself and your confidence. It’s common to feel insecure and self-conscious about your ostomy bag, especially when it comes to dating. But it’s important to know that your ostomy bag doesn’t define who you are. It’s just one part of your health journey.

To help you feel better about yourself, there are some things you can try. You can wear clothes that cover up your ostomy bag, take care of yourself, and talk to others who have an ostomy. It might also be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you deal with your feelings.

Remember, you’re not alone. Many people have happy and healthy relationships while living with an ostomy bag. 

2. Don’t hide it

When you have an ostomy bag, one of the toughest hurdles you may face in the dating world is deciding when and how to reveal your condition to a potential partner. This conversation can be intimidating, as many people are concerned about how their partner will react to the news.

However, there is no one right way to disclose your ostomy bag to a potential partner. It’s essential to take your time and share your experience in a way that feels natural and genuine to you. Some people may opt to disclose their ostomy bag early on in the dating process, while others may prefer to wait until they are more comfortable with their partner.

If you are uncertain about how to go about disclosing your ostomy bag, rehearse what you want to say ahead of time. 

3. Make physical adjustments

Physical intimacy can be a source of apprehension for individuals with ostomy bags, as they may worry about how their bag will impact sexual activity. Nevertheless, with a few modifications and accommodations, it’s still possible to have a fulfilling and pleasurable sex life with an ostomy bag.

One common worry is keeping the bag in place during intimate activity. You can explore different positions to find the most comfortable and secure option for you. Additionally, you can use special accessories like wraps, belts, or covers to help keep the bag in place.

About the author Patrick Banks

Patrick is a Berlin-based dating advisor, motivational speaker, a huge fitness and vegan diet enthusiast and the main editor at Wingman Magazine, specialised in men's health. His ultimate goal is to share with men around the world his passion for self-development and to help them to become the greatest version of themselves. He believes a healthy body and successful social interactions are two main keys to happiness.