We don't talk about sex enough: overcoming barriers to discussing intimacy issues with stoma patients

Sex and intimacy are generally considered to be vital to an individual's psychological wellbeing. As such, anything that affects a person's ability to engage in sex and intimacy has the potential to significantly impact their mental health. It is well known that stoma-forming surgery can leave ostomates with body-image issues and a profound feeling of lack of control over their body. Subsequently, this can lead to ostomates avoiding sex and intimacy. Despite the well-documented link between sex and psychological wellbeing, many stoma care nurses may, understandably, be uncomfortable discussing sex with their patients. However, there are several tools that can help the nurse facilitate these conversations, allowing them to better support their patients. In addition, stoma care nurses can support ostomates by raising awareness of sexual dysfunction, encouraging open communication, and discussing the use of support garments.