17/06/2026
Recently, we've seen conversations online that reminded us why stigma around stomas still exists — and why it's so important to challenge it.
Let's start with a simple fact:
Everyone's poo smells. 💩
For some people, that happens behind a closed bathroom door. For others, it happens through a stoma bag they never asked to need.
A stoma can be the result of cancer, disease, or life-saving emergency surgery. It can mean adapting to a completely different way of living, managing leaks, navigating body image changes, and rebuilding confidence after illness. 💪
And yes, sometimes stoma output smells.
Tube feeds, medications, illness, dehydration, certain foods, and normal digestive processes can all affect odour. That's not unusual. It's not a failure of hygiene. It's not something to be ashamed of. It's simply part of how the digestive system works.
What often has a bigger impact than odour itself is stigma.
Research has shown that concerns around leaks, odour, body image and social acceptance can have a significant psychological impact on people living with a stoma. Many people worry about how others will react long before anyone says a word.
‼️That's why kindness matters.
‼️That's why understanding matters.
‼️And that's why dignity matters.
Behind every stoma bag is a person. A parent. A partner. A colleague. A friend. Someone who has already been through more than most people realise.
Let's make sure the conversation around stomas is led by empathy, education and respect. 🧡
