Summer is finally here, and it seems like everyone is jumping into the pool and going to the beach! We know you want to join in on the fun… but you might be a little hesitant about water activities with an ostomy. What kind of swimsuit should you wear? How do you keep your pouch on in the water?
In this article, we answer some commonly asked questions about swimming while wearing an ostomy pouch, as well as offer some quick tips and tricks to make your day at the beach go smoothly.
You can either use a standard-size pouch and empty it before swimming, or if you want to be more discreet, you can use a smaller ostomy pouch designed to be less bulky. It’s up to you what type of pouch you feel most comfortable with.
Most importantly, you should wear something that makes you feel good. Some folks don’t mind showing their pouch at the beach, whereas some prefer covering up. Do what makes you feel the best – and if you want to wear that bikini, then do it!
A wrap can be a great way to cover up on the beach or at the pool. Snug swimsuits with dark colours, busy patterns, and/or ruching can help hide your pouch if that’s something you’re worried about. Boxer-style swim trunks might also be a good choice to help cover up.
Specialty swimwear may offer more discretion, but it’s not always guaranteed to be a good fit for your personal needs. On the other hand, you may find “regular” swimwear that you love! What you choose to wear just depends on what makes you feel good and comfortable.