Sexuality and the Patient with a Stoma

The formation of a stoma consequent to abdominal surgery represents a major change in a person's life, and results in complex emotional, social, and physical concerns including sexuality. The establishment of a stoma affects sexuality directly by disruption of nerve and blood supply to the genitals and indirectly by the effect on body image, self esteem, and by virtue of its position, problems with management of the stoma during sexual activity. Research indicates that the extent of these concerns are dependent on the disease state preceding the surgery and the type of stoma established as well as the ability of the patient to adapt to the changes. Health professionals play an important role in education and counselling stoma patients. They should therefore by sensitised to the issue and develop the competence to deal with it as needed.