Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
Let’s talk about what no one talks about.
After ostomy surgery, intimacy often falls to the bottom of the list — especially for women. Between healing, adapting, and trying to cope, sex doesn’t always feel like a priority.
But here’s the thing:
🤍 If we don’t talk about it, it doesn`t get easier
🤍 Many couples end up sleeping apart out of fear — not lack of love
🤍 Starting the conversation can prevent distance from becoming disconnection
Whether you`re the patient or the partner, open dialogue is the key to moving forward together. You deserve closeness — and it starts with courage to talk.
Intimacy after surgery is often left unspoken — but silence can create distance. Talk openly. Heal together. Rebuild connection, one honest conversation at a time.
#OstomyAndIntimacy #PostOpHealing #WomenWithStomas #StrongerTogether #OstomateVoices #SASScommunity #RelationshipAfterSurgery #BodyConfidence #LoveThroughChange #SexualHealthMatters
Are Ostomates Disabled? The Hidden Realities Explained
We explore the question: Are ostomates disabled? We discuss hidden struggles after life-saving surgery and the need for organizations like SAOS. From marathons to mixed martial arts, discover the realities of living with a stoma.
#SASSTOMATES #OstomyAwareness #OstomatesStrong #InvisibleDisability #LifeWithAStoma #DisabilityAwareness #BreakingStigma #SupportAndStrength #LivingWithOstomy #HiddenRealities #ChronicIllnessWarrior #StomaLife #ResilienceInAction #OstomateJourney #SouthAfrica
Body image, intimacy, and stoma acceptance start before surgery. 💛
For many women, navigating intimacy after stoma surgery is deeply tied to how we see — and accept — our bodies. That’s why preoperative counseling is so important.
✨ Ask all the questions — there are no silly ones
✨ Bring your partner into the room early
✨ Be honest about intimacy challenges before surgery — they don’t just disappear after
If you don’t speak up, distance can grow. But when you start the journey together — in truth and trust — healing becomes possible.
Stoma acceptance begins before the operation. Open discussions about body image and intimacy — especially with your partner — are key to emotional healing post-surgery. Start the conversation early.
#StomaAcceptance #OstomyAndIntimacy #WomenWithStomas #StrongerTogether #BodyImageHealing #PreOpSupport #OstomateVoices #SASScommunity #LoveAndSupport #RelationshipAfterSurgery
🍷 Thinking about having a drink when you have a stoma?
Here’s what’s helpful to know so you can make an informed choice.
💡 Key points:
Alcohol can affect your whole body — from digestion and hydration to your heart, brain, and immune system.
For stoma users, it may increase output, cause dehydration, or make pouch management trickier.
It can also influence blood pressure and mood — sometimes more than we realise.
In South Africa, alcohol plays a role in many preventable health issues, so a little awareness goes a long way.
💬 Our tip:
If you do drink, listen to your body. Stay hydrated, pace yourself, and keep an eye on how your stoma responds.
If you ever feel it’s affecting your health or well-being, reach out — there’s support available.
💚 You’re not alone:
Your health journey is yours to navigate. We’re here to share knowledge, tools, and encouragement so you can live well with your stoma.
#SASS #OstomyAwareness #StomaCare #AlcoholAwareness #HealthyChoices #ColorectalCancerAwareness #StrongerTogether #SouthAfricaHealth
“I don’t feel like myself anymore.”
After ostomy surgery, resuming intimacy isn’t just physical — it’s emotional. For women especially, it’s about feeling exposed in a body that’s changed, learning how to trust again, and reclaiming your sense of self.
💛 What helps:
✨ Understanding that penetration must never involve the stoma
✨ Allowing time to heal — physically and emotionally
✨ Talking through fears with your partner
✨ Knowing that feeling insecure is normal, and it will pass
From hiding the bag to managing noise, this journey takes courage — and compassion. You are not alone.
For many women, post-surgery intimacy brings emotional challenges. Insecurity, fear, and body image issues are real — but they’re not permanent. With open dialogue and time, confidence can return.
#OstomyAwareness #WomenWithStomas #BodyConfidence #OstomyAndIntimacy #StrongerTogether #PostSurgeryHealing #OstomateVoices #SASScommunity #EmotionalResilience #SexAfterSurgery
Reinforce Healthy Habits
Healthy living isn’t about drastic changes — it’s about small, consistent actions that stack up over time.
Try habit stacking to strengthen your routine:
🥗 EAT
Stick to the balanced meal plan prescribed for your stoma type — it’s the best way to reduce discomfort and feel your best.
🤝 CONNECT
Turn waiting time into connecting time. Send that text, or make the call you’ve been putting off — connection is part of healing too.
🏃 MOVE
After filling your water bottle (and sipping throughout the day if you’re an ileostomate 💧), add a few light stretches for your wrists and legs. Small moves = big relief.
Healthy habits don’t happen overnight. Build them one step at a time, and let them work together to support your wellbeing.
#HealthyHabits #StrongerTogether #StomaCare #EatConnectMove
"Will they be scared to touch me?"
Let’s talk about it.
For many women living with a stoma, the fear isn’t just about how you feel — it’s about how your partner might react. Will they be afraid? Will they understand?
💛 Here`s the truth:
👉 Your stoma has no nerve endings — it won’t hurt to be touched
👉 Explore it together before intimacy — in a calm, safe space
👉 A shower or bath can be the perfect moment to reconnect
👉 Talk openly — curiosity builds confidence
This journey is about rediscovery, not discomfort. And when you face it together, connection only deepens.
Intimacy starts with understanding. For partners, learning about the stoma — and touching it without fear — can ease anxiety and open the door to connection. Start slow. Explore together. Rebuild with care.
#StomaConfidence #OstomyAndIntimacy #WomensHealthMatters #StrongerTogether #SASScommunity #HealingTogether #LoveAfterSurgery #OstomateVoices #BodyAcceptance #CouplesCommunication
Hello Ostomate! 💙
You don’t have to face your journey alone. Whether you need reliable information, guidance, or just someone to answer your questions, we’re here for you.
Visit sasstomates.org.za to access our FREE advice service, read the Ostomate Survival Guide, and connect with Nurse Mzi for trusted support.
Because every ostomate deserves care, dignity, and answers. 🌍✨
#SASSTOMATES #OstomySupport #OstomyAwareness #OstomateCare #SupportAndStrength #FreeAdvice #SouthAfrica #YouAreNotAlone
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Restoring Dignity Through Partnership & Education
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital Lead the Way in Stoma Care In April and May 2025, the South African Society of Stomates (SASS) partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg for a multi-day capacity-building initiative aimed at improving stoma care services in the public health system. What started as a workshop quickly became a […]
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