This guide will help you build confidence to navigate intimacy and sex after stoma surgery. We address common challenges men, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community may experience and provide advice on how to manage them. Get support from stoma care experts on contraception, positions, pregnancy and more.
Sexual Wellbeing Guide for People With a Stoma
Navigate intimacy with confidence
Feel empowered over your sexual wellbeing and learn how you can build comfort and confidence.
What this guide covers:
✅ Tips to support intimacy – physical touch, keeping it fun and non-physical intimacy
✅ Advice for sex, positions and contraception
✅ Answers to common concerns for men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community
For people with a stoma and their partners.
What help you’ll find inside 👀
Life changes and relationships
Pages 4–5Read about the impact having a stoma can have on your social life, relationship, confidence and sexual wellbeing.
Get information on charities you can reach out to for support.
Supporting intimacy with communication
Page 6Explore how open discussions with your partner about your needs and concerns can help strengthen your relationship and your overall wellbeing.
Contraception and sex
Page 7We have answered two of the more prominent concerns when it comes to intimacy:
1. Will my stoma pouch interfere?
2. Will a stoma affect the contraception I can use?
Concerns for women
Page 8We explore challenges that may affect intimacy for women living with a stoma and provide guidance on how to manage them, including pain, pregnancy, and stoma care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Concerns for men
Page 9We have highlighted some common concerns men with a stoma may have when it comes to having sex. Get advice on managing erectile dysfunction, libido changes and feelings of nervousness.
Concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals
Page 10You may have unique concerns about living with a stoma if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In this section we have given advice for intimacy, self-esteem and gender-affirming care.
Meet the authors
Kevin Hayles
Kevin is a Stoma Care Nurse with over 20 years of clinical experience including in India, Iran, and across Europe.
Pamela White
Pamela is an experienced clinician who is responsible for Clinical Governance and Regulatory Affairs at CliniMed and SecuriCare.