Ostomy bags are odor-resistant and heavy-duty to prevent leaks, but they need to be changed regularly. Here’s a primer on how to change your ostomy pouch properly.

Your ostomy pouch should ideally be emptied once it’s one-third of the way full, and it should be changed every few days. [2]A good rule of thumb is to never let the pouch fill more than halfway.

Explore general stoma care tips, including how to change and care for your ostomy bag, complications to be aware of, and answers to frequently asked questions about living with a colostomy.

Smooth the bag on the body to get rid of any creases. Hold the pouch to the skin for 30–50 seconds , so it molds to the body. Caring for the stoma and surrounding skin ...

An ostomy bag collects body waste from a stoma. Here's how it works, the types available, how to choose one, and how to manage common issues.