With today’s modern stoma bags, it simply isn’t true that stoma bags smell. They are designed to conceal any smell from stoma output, and when fitted properly, nobody around you will detect any odour. However, it’s normal for ostomates to feel self-conscious about potential stoma bag smell, no matter what type of stoma you have. This guide will explain what might cause stoma odour and practical steps you can take to prevent it.
Do stoma bags smell?
If your bag is fitted well around your stoma and attached properly to your skin, there should be no odour apart from when you change or empty your bag. In most cases, someone in the same room as you won’t be able to smell the contents of your stoma bag (in fact, unless they already know, it’s unlikely that anyone will notice that you have a stoma at all!).
Most stoma bags have a filter with a deodoriser built in, which means odourless gas can escape to avoid ballooning. The bag creates a sealed system that contains any smell effectively.
If you detect an odour from your bag whilst wearing it, it could be because there has been a leak or your filter is not working properly. However, it’s completely normal to feel self-conscious and overthink a potential whiff. Chances are, you notice it far more than anyone else does. Having said this, you shouldn’t have to live with anxiety about stoma odour, so continue reading to find out our tips for preventing and reducing it.
Reducing stoma bag smell
It is only normal for stoma output to smell whilst changing or emptying your stoma bag. Bodily waste smells, and that’s just a fact of life. Remember, your bag change in the bathroom won’t smell any different to anyone else going to the toilet! However, if this is causing you anxiety or you find the odour unbearable, there are products and strategies that can help.
For example, you can use deodorising drops or sprays produced by some stoma care companies, which work to eliminate odour or mask it with a fragrance. These are put into a new bag before you apply it. However, don’t let this touch the adhesive because it can stop it from working. This can reduce your anxiety as you go about your day-to-day life, and reduce foul odour when changing the bag.
Alternatively, you could simply use fragrance sprays like perfume or air freshener. Small travel-sized aerosols are easy to carry around and can be used in the bathroom after changing or emptying your bag.
Some people also swear by dropping mints or scented oils into their stoma bag. Everyone’s sense of smell and tolerance of smells is different, so it’s worth trying different methods to see what you find works best.
Why does my stoma bag smell?
If you are noticing odour whilst wearing your bag, it could be because:
- Your stoma bag has leaked. Output escaping from underneath the baseplate may cause odour. Leakage can happen for many reasons, including if the baseplate isn’t cut to the correct size, your skin is irritated or if the seal has broken down. Read more in our guide to stoma leakage
- The bag has not been sealed well. If there are any gaps between your skin and the baseplate, or if a two-piece system isn’t clicked together properly, odour can escape.
- The filter is blocked. This renders it ineffective and can cause odour to seep out or cause ballooning. The filter can get blocked if output touches it from the inside, or if it gets wet (for example, whilst you are showering or swimming).
- You have worn it for too long. Wearing the same stoma bag for a long time can cause it to start to smell, depending on your level of output and the type of bag you use.
How to stop my stoma bag from smelling
So what steps can you take to stop your stoma from smelling?
- Ensure your bag is securely sealed to your body. Flange extenders can help to keep it in place, even during physical activity.
- Ensure your baseplate is cut to the correct size. Remember, your stoma can change size and shape, especially if you have recently had stoma surgery or you have a parastomal hernia or a prolapse.
- Choose the right products to keep your peristomal skin healthy and reduce leaks. A stoma seal like the Ostoform FLOWASSIST seal can help.
- Have a consistent emptying/changing routine that suits your lifestyle and output level. Change or empty your bag when it is about one-third to one-half full.
- You may need to clean around the opening of your drainable bag after emptying it.
- If your bag has leaked or the filter is blocked, change it as soon as you can.
- Protect your filter when showering or swimming. Use the sticker that comes with your pouches to cover the filter and prevent it from getting wet.
- Try a different stoma bag. If you feel the filter on your stoma bag isn’t effective, you don’t have to keep using it. You can test samples from other manufacturers to find the appliance that works best for you.
- Try dietary changes – see below
What food causes stoma odour?
Altering your diet could help to reduce the smell of your stoma output because certain foods cause more odour than others. Some foods that are known to cause odour (in colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies) are:
- Onions
- Fish
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Sprouts
Eating live yoghurt, buttermilk, or peppermint products can help to reduce this. To fight urine odour (if you have a urostomy), you could try cranberry juice or parsley, and ensure you are hydrated.
It’s worth keeping a food diary so you can track what may cause stoma problems like odour. Bear in mind that antibiotics can make faeces smell particularly foul.
Eating foods that can solidify or reduce your output may also help prevent loose stools from blocking the filter or causing leaks. Learn more: Foods to eat with a stoma bag
Summary
Stoma bags are designed not to smell when worn correctly. If you notice odour, check for leaks or a blocked filter and change your bag if needed. While it’s natural to feel self-conscious, remember that others are far less aware of your stoma than you are. If anxiety persists, deodorising products and dietary adjustments can help you feel more confident day to day.
Contact your stoma care nurse if you are experiencing persistent problems with odour. They can help you find the right combination of stoma products for you.
Further reading
Although all our articles are written alongside qualified medical professionals, this information is for guidance and does not replace advice given by your healthcare team.
