Having an ostomy and feeling pain during intercourse
Pain can have an impact on the sexual stimulation, and after repeated attempts, the anxiety of pain might compromise the pleasure and spontaneity of your sex life. Therefore it's important to find a solution to the pain you may experience. Talk to your stoma nurse about the pain and your experiences. There are various analgesic gels you can use and also different exercises that can help you.
If the vagina feels too tight
If the vagina feels to tight, expansion might help. The simplest way to do this is by inserting a finger into the vagina. After doing so, the expansion can gradually be increased by 2 or 3 fingers. This can be done by yourself or your partner. It is also possible to buy dilatators in different sizes that can help dilate and extend the vagina. If you feel insecure doing this yourself, it is also possible to be done at a doctors/gynaecologists.
If the vagina feels dry after you ostomy operation
Water-based lubricant might help relieve vaginal dryness. Lubricating gel can be purchased at the pharmacy. The lubricant, which preferably should be water based and without additives, is applied to the penis and area around the vaginal entry.
Increased vaginal discharge can be a side effect after ostomy surgery
There are different ways to solve problems with increased discharges – depending on the size of the problem. To some, a panty shield might be enough. To others it is necessary to discuss suppositories or douches. Discuss this with your doctor. It may furthermore help strengthening the musculature of the floor pelvis by doing regular pelvic floor exercises. Discuss this with a physical therapist. In rare cases, a surgical procedure might be necessary.
Urinary problems after ostomy surgery
It is, for everyone experiencing urinary difficulties, important to look for guidance at a physical therapist or others that can help with rehabilitation of pelvis floor muscles through daily exercises.
To get a reference to a doctor, urologist or gynaecologist might furthermore be relevant, to find cause and possible removal of the problem, though examination and dialogue.
When using the toilet it is important to take your time to empty the bladder. It is likewise important to remember, that the bladder is best emptied during relaxation and not by pushing.
Ostomates experiencing changed sensitivity in clitoris
The nerve paths to clitoris might be damaged, and the sensitivity of clitoris might consequently change. It might consequently take some people longer to reach sexual stimulation. The area around the vaginal entry might on the other hand also become too sensitive, which can result in even the gentlest touch being uncomfortable or painful.
To be sexually stimulated or experiencing orgasm from other places besides the clitoris is also an option. If previously unknown, this can be trained or discovered. Try to explore yourself through masturbation.
Side affects for ostomates of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Aftercare can occasionally result in side affects that can influence the sex life. Chemotherapy can influence menstruation in such a way that it ends for a short or long period of time. Some type of medication can affect the desire for sexual intercourse. Radiotherapy can, depending on the radiation field, cause pain and irritation of the vaginal mucosa. Scar formation might occur after radiotherapy, which can lead to the vagina becoming inelastic and it might heal to the surrounding environment. It is important to consult a doctor with whom you can discuss the extent of the treatment and possible consequences.