Colorectal Cancer

• After the surgery has healed, test out comfortable positions (side lying or entry from behind). It may take some time to find the "right" one, so give yourself some time to explore different options.
• If a long-term indwelling catheter (a tube placed inside the bladder that drains into a bag and stays in place when you go home from the hospital), men can position the catheter up the side of the penis and place a condom over it. If female, the catheter may be placed up toward the abdomen and taped in place.
• To prevent anxiety and thoughts that "things aren't working right", because sperm does not come out of the penis when you cum, men should remember that "retrograde" ejaculation (sperm is propelled back into the bladder rather than coming out of the penis) can occur after this surgery.
• If unable to get or maintain an erection, men may need to have a penile implant inserted. There are many varieties of implants including the permanent non-inflatable type, the self-contained, or the inflatable implant. Implants are one of the most effective and successful ways to help with a permanent erection problem. A urologist is a good resource for information and photographs of the various implants.

• Use good personal hygiene; empty your pouch, deodorize it (1 or 2 drops of Banish™ is helpful) and make sure it is sealed tightly before intercourse. If the ostomy is "dry" or controlled with an irrigation, a small cover or patch may be enough. If you have an ileostomy that is not well controlled, you can put on a drainable pouch and tuck it into a support belt, turn it sideways or tape it down so it does not flap in a distracting way.
• To protect from leakage, a rubber sheet may be put under the cotton sheet with a towel put on top.
• Avoid foods that cause you gas or loose stools 6 to 12 hours before sexual activity, if possible. If the stoma "speaks out" (eliminates gas), have something ready to say to decrease embarrassment. A good sense of humor is a godsend.
• Non-transparent (cloudy/not clear) pouch covers can be used to hide the contents of the pouch. Other choices may be to create covers to match lingerie, covering with a cummerbund (fancy, wide belt), or lightweight girdle, using underwear with an opening up the center or satin boxer shorts. There are also lingerie/underwear made with pockets on the inside to hold the pouch. Contact OPTIONS at 1-800-736-6555 for more information about their clothing.
• Vaginal lubricants may be helpful to decrease irritation if you have discomfort during intercourse or if you feel a dryness sensation during the day. Examples of moisturizers include Replens^® and Lubrin^® and lubricants include Astroglide^® and Slippery Stuff^®. These products are all "over the counter", are odorless, greaseless and tasteless and last longer than substances like KY^® jelly. However KY^® also makes a specific vaginal lubricant now. You should never use Vaseline^® as this is greasy and can block the urethra and a bladder infection may occur. Flavored lubricants are also available if you are interested in oral-vaginal love play.
• DO NOT put anything into the stoma (including a penis) except the catheter hose for irrigation, because this can cause a serious tear. The stoma can be stimulated during sexual activity or masturbation, but objects should not be put inside of it.

Other Ostomy Hints & Tips

Colostomies: A teaspoon of soda per quart of water for irrigation will prevent water throw-back (like a burp).

Ileostomies: Eating yogurt will help control gas and drinking buttermilk will soothe an irritated gut. Unlike milk, yogurt and buttermilk will not cause diarrhea or constipation.

Urostomies: Leave a little urine in the bag before attaching it to the drainage tube and container used at night. By draining this into the night container, you will break the vacuum often present in the tube, and this allows the urine to flow freely. Mineral crystals on the inside of the bag may sandpaper (irritate like sandpaper on your skin) the stoma. Clean them off by soaking the bag in vinegar (one part to four parts water) overnight.