Abstract
Interviews were conducted with 13 male ostomates under the age of 70 years to investigate the sexuality and marital relationships of male ostomates. The aim was to consider ways to support male ostomates who have sexual dysfunction and their spouses. From the interviews, 8 categories expressing the sexuality of male ostomates were extracted：unstable self-perception, acceptance of one's current situation,bonds of matrimony,things that provide support,difficulty of talking about the sexual act,fluctuations in husband-wife intimacy,thoughts toward the sexual act,and sense of values with regard to the sexual act.The marital relationship tended to be unchanged by changes in sexual function;rather,the bonds were maintained by support from the wife.In the future,family education that can promote language and behavior by the wife to support the ostomate is needed.In addition,sensitive awareness of sexual concerns and method of expression counseling, as well as coordination as an intermediary between the ostomate and his wife will be necessary.
