If you’re worried people can see your ostomy pouch underneath the clothes you wear, you’re not alone. How can you hide this better? Well, concealment is a big problem for some people, and you’re not alone. It definitely can make you feel a little bit self-conscious, but here, we’ll give you tips to better conceal that ostomy pouch of yours.
The Styles matter
If you’re wearing certain styles of clothes, you may have a more noticeable pouch than others. The profile and how much it “sticks out” does vary between the different systems, and your clothes too. As a general rule, a two piece system does stick out a lot more than one piece due to the coupling that’s sed there. The different couplings also do usually have a higher profile, but there are ones that have a lower profile.
Adhesive coupling systems, New image, and ConvaTec Estem Synergy tend to stick out a lot less. There are some that also are being developed too, but you may want to discuss whether or not you should switch to something different with your ET so you don’t’ mess anything else.
Clothing Plays a Part
Sometimes, people feel a little bit self-conscious, feeling like they have to only wear pleated skirts, pants, loose dresses and bulky clothes to hide this. However, that’s not what you’re limited to. Sometimes patterned shirts and tops that are tucked into the pants or skirt that you wear does help. Patterns in general with a solid colored top also may work too. If it’s above where your beltline is, try to go for pattered tops. For below your beltline, go with patterned bottoms.
Darker colors “hide” this better than lighter, and you may want to have a darker wardrobe. For men, getting higher or lower pants do whelp with this, and they may wear a belt or suspenders to help with this. Some women like to wear lycra since it helps keep the pouch more supported while staying near your body. Multiple layers are also another option as well.
Bathing and Pouches
Another common concern is bathing or swimming with the pouch that you have. Bathing suits tend to sit snug against the body, and some may wonder if they should get certain types of suits to help conceal this. The rule of thumb of wearing darker colors or patterns to conceal is usually a good option. Surfer shorts for men that have a longer crotch rise and legs also help make this more obscured. For drainable pouches, a flatter cap or one that has an integrated lock closure also helps with this.
For those who have an ileostomy or a colostomy that’s fecal in terms of stoma, you can of course wear stoma caps when you go swimming. They are limited with volume, so you should make sure that you know what the pattern of the stoma functions are for you to decide whether or not you should use one or the other. Some may also worry about pouches during sexual activity. Crotchless underwear, and cummerbunds are also good, since they do wrap around.
“baby doll” tops are always a good option and so are camisoles. Men may also choose to wear tank tops to help obscure visibility. It’s important to understand though that every single person out there isn’t going to be staring at your ostomy pouch, and they may not know that you have one until you mention it, so keep that in mind, and make sure that you release the gas from your pouch and empty it a lot.
Stoma Care Corner 