Feeling anxious about leaks is completely understandable, especially if you’re new to living with a urostomy. But it’s important to know that leakage is common, especially in the early months, and that a leak is rarely cause for alarm. With time, support and the right products, most urostomates find ways to minimise their risk of leaks and regain confidence so they can enjoy life to the full.
Why leaks can happen, and reducing the risk
Leaks occur when urine seeps under the adhesive seal of your bag instead of flowing cleanly into it. There are several reasons why this might happen.
* Fit and positioning of your bag: If the opening in the baseplate is too large, too small, or not centred well around the stoma, urine can undermine the seal.
* Stoma shape and height: If your urostomy is flush with your skin, sits in a crease, or changes size, this can make sealing more difficult.
* Skin contours and folds: Creases, scars, or uneven skin can create tiny gaps where urine can escape.
* Movement and activity: Bending, twisting, or physical activity can sometimes stress the adhesive if the pouch isn’t flexible or secure enough.
* Overfilling the pouch: If your bag becomes heavy, it can pull away from your skin and increase the risk of a leak.
* Product wear time or faulty supplies: Adhesives naturally lose effectiveness over time, and occasionally a faulty batch can cause problems.
* Check the fit regularly
Your stoma can change size in the weeks and months after surgery. Measuring it regularly and ensuring your baseplate opening fits snugly can improve the seal and reduce seepage.
* Make sure your skin is clean and dry
Use warm water and wipes to clean the skin, and allow it to dry fully before putting on your new bag. Avoid oily products or soaps that leave residue, as they can weaken adhesion.
* Consider accessories if needed
Barrier rings, strips, or paste can help fill in creases and improve the seal on uneven skin. Convex baseplates may also help if your stoma sits flush or in a fold – your stoma nurse can advise what’s appropriate for you.
* Empty your bag before it gets heavy
Keeping your bag from becoming overly full reduces strain on the adhesive and lowers your risk of leaks.
* Take your time when changing your bag
Don’t rush a bag change, which can lead to poor adhesion. Being patient and applying gentle pressure to the baseplate for a short time after fitting can help you ensure a secure seal.
Rest assured, you’re not alone
Leaks can feel frustrating, embarrassing, or discouraging, especially at first. But it’s worth remembering that even people who have lived with their urostomy for many years experience the occasional leak.
For extra reassurance, it’s worth reading some of the personal stories on our website. These people are busy working, travelling, gardening, enjoying sport – even running marathons and flying planes! In other words, they’ve learned not to let fear of leaks stop them getting on with their lives.
When to seek help
With practice, most people with a urostomy become adept at spotting early warning signs, managing bag changes, and trusting their system. Confidence tends to grow over time.
If leaks are happening frequently, cause sore skin, or make you anxious, please don’t feel you have to cope alone. Speak to your stoma nurse, who will assess your bag fit, skin health, and product choices. Small adjustments, such as trying a different baseplate, can often make a big difference.
If you’d like to speak to a fellow urostomate about leakage, or any other aspect of life beyond surgery, please get in touch with our office on 01223 91085 or via our contact us form. We can put you in touch with one of our friendly, trained volunteers, who understands how you may be feeling because they have been there too.
In their own words…
“It’s rare for someone with a urostomy to never encounter leakage. If it happens to you, please don’t beat yourself up. My advice is to change your bag at the first opportunity. Then, simply carry on with what you were doing. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? “
Paul Weaver
“I worry about leaks, but I don’t let that hold me back. And on the plus side, there’s no more queuing for the loo at festivals!”
Lucy Curran
- Managing leaks – webinar recording
- Reducing leaks – urostomates’ top tips
- Five simple steps to preventing leakage – advice from a stoma nurse
Photo credit: Centre for Ageing Better
