Sexual Problems of Patients with Urostomy: A Qualitative Study

Urostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a stoma for the treatment of advanced stage bladder cancer, which is more common among males. It is performed mandatorily by attaching ureters to the abdominal wall directly or indirectly via a stoma after a cystectomy. This study was designed and conducted in order to identify experiences, views, and problems of patients who had urostomy due to bladder cancer, regarding the effects of urostomy on their and their spouse/partner's sexual life. This phenomelogical qualitative study was conducted with 10 volunteer male patients with urostomy and their spouses/partners. The data were collected using an interview form which had open-ended questions about the effects of urostomy on sexual life. The obtained data were coded, and themes were formed using content analysis methods. Content analysis results revealed the following themes: change in body image, problems experienced during sexual activity, spouse's response to the problems experienced, and receiving help and support about the problems experienced. This study revealed that urostomy affected the patients' sexual functions in a negative way, and they did not receive any professional help or support for the solutions to their problems. In the care and treatment of patients with urostomy, health professionals should be aware that these patients might experience sexual problems during their care and treatment, and they should encourage and guide patients and their spouses/partners about receiving help and support and telling about their sexual problems.