9 tips to make your colonoscopy experience easier

Preparing for a colonoscopy can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’ve just scheduled a colonoscopy or are thinking about it, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to make your colonoscopy experience smooth and stress-free.

How to get ready for your colonoscopy

Here are a few practical tips to help you navigate the prep phase, minimize discomfort and approach your colonoscopy appointment with confidence.

1. Remember that it’s worth it.

A colonoscopy is a small price to pay for peace of mind about your colon health. Regular colonoscopies are a crucial screening tool in monitoring your colon health and detecting any issues, like polyps, early—before problems arise.

For most people at average risk of colorectal cancer, it’s recommended to begin regular colonoscopies every 10 years starting at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, certain digestive conditions or other factors that place you at high risk, your doctor may recommend you begin screenings earlier.

Keep in mind that it’s much better to spend a day prepping and undergoing a short colonoscopy than it is to go through treatment for colon cancer. Most of the time, doctors can even remove any polyps they find during a colonoscopy.

2. Schedule at a good time for you.

Typically, you don’t even need an office visit prior to your colonoscopy. This is true for a vast majority of healthy people. Your primary care physician can help you set up your colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist, so you don’t have to schedule a separate office visit before your colonoscopy. 

Schedule your colonoscopy at a time when you’ll be able to focus on completing the prep beforehand, and when you’ll be able to rest, take off work or other obligations, and take it easy.

3. Preparation is key.

Preparation for your colonoscopy is almost as important as the procedure itself. You’ll be on a clear liquid diet the day prior to your procedure. Your gastroenterologist’s office should go over all the instructions and make sure you know what to do leading up to your colonoscopy. Preparation is key to make sure your colonoscopy results are high quality, so be sure and follow all the instructions.

4. Expect multiple trips to the bathroom.

You’ll be required to drink a large volume of laxatives to clear out your colon before the procedure. This is the part people worry about the most before their first colonoscopy. But it’s not as daunting as you think, and it goes by fast.

The laxative will cause frequent and sometimes urgent trips to the bathroom as it clears out your system. This is normal, and the more thorough the cleansing, the better the colonoscopy results. Stay close to a bathroom during this time, and have extra toilet paper and wet wipes on hand for comfort.

5. Stay hydrated.

While drinking a large volume of laxatives may seem intimidating, there are a few things you can do to make it more tolerable, including drinking fluids.

Drinking a few sips of clear liquid in between the drinks of laxative is generally fine, but check with your doctor on any specific drinks you have questions about. Common choices include water, broth, clear juices (apple or white grape), sports drinks and a few sips of clear soda.

6. Drink the laxative slowly.

Your doctor may advise drinking the laxative slowly or over a longer period of time. There are various preparations of laxatives available, and some have options for flavors. Discuss with your provider what’s the best choice for you. 

7. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking.

If you’re currently taking any medications for existing medical conditions, talk to your doctor at least a week before your colonoscopy. For some medications, you may need to stop taking them—but never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

8. Bring someone with you.

Because you’ll be sedated during the procedure, you’ll need to have someone drive you to and from the appointment. Plan ahead and make sure you have a responsible adult to accompany you.

9. Know what to expect.

Knowing what to expect can help the procedure seem less daunting. So, here’s what you can expect on the day of your colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy typically takes around 30 minutes. You’ll be sedated, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your rectum and use a camera to send images to a monitor.

After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. You may feel a bit groggy or experience some mild cramping or bloating due to the air used to inflate the colon during the exam.

Ready to schedule your colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy may seem intimidating, but most people who have had one will tell you that it’s quite the opposite. And with the right mindset and preparation, you can have a smooth, stress-free colonoscopy experience.

Are you due for a colonoscopy? Talk to your primary care physician or learn more about colonoscopies today.