Is colonoscopy painful?

Typically, no. The majority of patients who have a colonoscopy say the most challenging part is the prep. (In the grand scheme of things, prep really isn’t that bad). That’s why colonoscopy planning is important. The procedure itself is not painful. You may feel slight discomfort and pressure as the doctor inserts the scope, but that is uncommon. If you do experience this, it is short lived. Because gas is pumped into the colon to inflate it so doctors can get a good look, gas and bloating are also common following a colonoscopy. However, as the day goes on, the air will exit.

Is colonoscopy safe or dangerous? What are the risks?

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure. Thousands are performed each day. Most patients have little to no complications with them, and they return to routine activities by the following morning. Talk with your medical team if you’re taking medications and supplements (particularly medicines that thin the blood), or if you use other medical devices. The medical office will let you know what to bring and if you need to stop taking certain medications prior to getting a colonoscopy. This may require coordination with your prescribing doctor (primary care, cardiology, neurology, etc.). Every medical procedure comes with risks, however. It’s important to discuss these with your doctor before having a colonoscopy. Although rare, some of these complications from colonoscopy can occur, and you need to contact your doctor right away: Dehydration Bleeding Infection Bowel perforation Bad reaction to anesthesia Blood clotting If you cannot undergo a colonoscopy, you may have other screening options .

How long does a colonoscopy take?

On average, a colonoscopy takes 15 to 45 minutes; however, ask your doctor’s office how much time you can expect getting a colonoscopy to take. They will help you estimate total time for check-in, pre-procedure, procedure, and recovery.

Depending on which of your biological relatives was diagnosed with cancer and/or advanced polyps and at what age, you may need to get a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. If you have a blood relative with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps (mom, dad, sibling), begin screening when your age is 10 years younger than when they were diagnosed. So, for example, if your mom was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 45, your screening should begin at age 35.

If you have a history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, you will need to undergo colonoscopy earlier than the general population and more frequently. Same applies if your family member has had colorectal cancer and/or pre-cancerous polyps . Are you at risk? Take our Screening Quiz .

If you’re seeing blood in the stool, experiencing constipation or diarrhea, facing unexplained weight loss, or having other symptoms of colorectal cancer , you need to talk with your doctor. A colonoscopy may be recommended.

If a doctor found and removed a precancerous colon or rectal polyp or saw any other areas of concern, you will likely be encouraged to repeat the colonoscopy sooner than 10 years; depending on the number, size, and histology of polyps (what they look like under the microscope). This may be in 1, 3, 5, or 7 years.

If you’re at average risk , you don’t have any symptoms, and you had a clean colonoscopy, you’ll likely be encouraged to repeat the procedure in 10 years.

Are there pills to take for colonoscopy prep?

Yes, there are liquid solutions as well as prep pills that can be used for colonoscopy prep. The most common ones include: Liquid solutions CLENPIQ® MoviPrep® MiraLAX® with Gatorade® NuLYTELY® PLENVU® SUPREP® TriLyte® Prep pills/tablets OsmoPrep® SUTAB® If your doctor is unable to complete the colonoscopy due to a technical issue, they may recommend a specialized CT scan that can visualize the colon (CT colonography).

What is the best prep to use?

In general, the best quality preps involve taking some laxative at night and some in the morning (split-dose prep). There are also preps where the amount of laxative you drink is far less compared to other options (low-volume bowel prep). Some doctors allow patients to eat a low-residue diet in combination with over-the-counter laxatives the day before. Some insist on prescription preps because they are far superior when it comes to cleaning out the colon and getting a good view. It really depends on what you and your doctor agree on what’s best. If you’re unsure about what’s best for you, ask your doctor for options or ask other patients. Choose the prep that’s best for you. And, if you get to prep night and cannot complete the prescribed prep, call your doctor right away. A completed prep is most important, and they can offer you another option to get you fully cleaned out.