An ostomy bag is an umbrella term for the types of bags that collect waste from surgical openings in your intestines or bladder. A colostomy bag is a type of ostomy bag used to collect stool. Share on ...

Because of stigmas, misinformation and social discomfort, ostomies often are not discussed. But with nearly 750,000 people living in the United States with one, it’s time for that dialogue to begin.

If your ulcerative colitis (UC) hasn’t responded well enough to treatment, your doctor may suggest surgery and an ostomy pouch. This might sound intimidating. But for people with certain birth defects ...