Sexual Experiences of Women with Permanent Stomas: A Ground Theory Study


Aydın R., Özcan Kaya T.

SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY, cilt.44, ss.1-18, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 44
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Dergi Adı: SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Scopus, Pharma Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Psycinfo
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-18
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a descriptive framework for gaining an in-depth understanding of the sexual experiences of women living with a permanent stoma. This study utilized grounded theory based on Strauss’s approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women with permanent stomas between January 2023 and April 2024. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, along with constant comparative methods. The core category that emerged from the data was “I was always embarrassed, worried, and scared that the stoma bag might burst, leak, or smell. I didn’t want my partner to see me like that. Sex was never the same as before...” This core category reflects the women’s shared experience of their sexual lives being deeply affected by concerns about the stoma bag. Their experiences related to sexuality were categorized into three main themes with nine sub-themes: “Effects on sexual life”, “Spousal relationships” and “Coping methods”. This study developed a grounded theory that provides healthcare professionals with a framework for understanding the impact of stomas on women's sexual lives and how they navigate these changes. Stoma care nurses need to incorporate this understanding into their care practices to better support women in managing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with a stoma.

KEYWORDS: Ground theory, Permanent stoma, Sexual life, Stoma, Spousal relationships