Psychosexual Response to Ileostomy and Colostomy

Because so little information has been compiled regarding sexual adjustment following colostomy and ileostomy, the individual who faces or has had this type of surgery usually remains uninformed, fearful, and the victim of various myths, such as loss of male potency. The authors sought to dispel the myths and taboos surrounding these operations by conducting a questionnaire survey among 500 members of various ostomy associations. Their results show that potency and fertility do suffer somewhat, but not to the degree that previous estimates would indicate. They stress the importance of the educative role of the physician in promoting the patient's successful adaptation to these surgical procedures.