Sexual relationships and intimacy are important and fulfilling aspects of your life that should continue after ostomy surgery. But there is a period of adjustment after surgery, and some ostomies can affect intimate relationships more than others.

Can you live a normal life with an ostomy?

For many people, having a bag or pouch attached to their body is a huge emotional adjustment. It might feel odd or even scary at first. Those are completely normal feelings, says colorectal surgeon Amy Lightner, MD. But know that you can be active, wear fashionable clothes and live a happy, full life with a stoma bag.

How long does a stoma reversal take to heal?

This most often takes at least 6 to 8 weeks. But in some cases it can take up to 12 months. Your bowel and anal muscles need to be working for the reversal to work well. The doctor rejoins the ends of the bowel that were separated.