We all know that dealing with a leaky ostomy pouch is probably the worst thing that could happen to someone with a stoma. Dealing with a leaky ostomy pouch, especially in any sort of social setting, is every ostomates worst nightmare. I know from personal experience that a leaky ostomy pouch can kill the vibe at any party or gathering, and can even make things in the bedroom insanely awkward and hard to deal with.

All that being said, I think it is about time we talked about how to best avoid getting a leaky ostomy pouch. Not only does it mean that you are leaking gas everywhere and stinking up a room, but it also could potentially get some of your nasty output onto your skin, clothes, or things around you; that is probably the most disgusting thing that could ever happen to anyone. So if you’re dealing with a leaky ostomy pouch here and there and are looking for some great tips and tricks, then boy have I got the secret for you. I am writing this article simply to help people like me who are having to live their life with the addition of a stoma and are struggling to just get through the day as someone with an ostomy pouch. Hopefully you can learn a few things from this article and be more prepared in the case of your next ostomy pouch leakage. 

The first thing that I want to talk about is the tendency for ostomy pouches to leak out of the skin barrier that attaches to the area of skin around the stoma. The skin barrier needs to have an airtight seal everytime in order for the gas and other odor in your ostomy pouch to stay put. That being said, it is quite common for people with a stoma to experience some ostomy pouch leakage through this skin barrier, and you are truly not alone if you are having leakage here. The important thing to remember is that there are lots of products made specifically for helping to get a better seal on the skin barrier. One such product is called a waffle or something like that, and it will help as a tighter skin barrier that attaches to the ostomy pouch system. In addition, there are different powders, gels, and adhesives that can be used on the area around the stoma to attach the skin barrier to. It may also be useful to shave the area around the stoma. Many people have small, fine hairs on their stomach or abdomen, and this can prevent the skin barrier from being able to form a tight seal. If that is the case, it may explain why you are experiencing some leakage of gas and odor out of your ostomy bag.

Another factor that could contribute to a leaking ostomy pouch is that your ostomy pouch may be getting overfilled. If that’s the case, there is a buildup of pressure in the bag that can leak through the seal of the skin barrier or even of the ostomy bag. The best way to prevent this is to invest in an ostomy pouch that allows for the release of gasses that would otherwise make your ostomy pouch balloon up like a jump house at a 9 year olds birthday party.