Reasons to Schedule a Colonoscopy

As you age, it's crucial to monitor your health to detect any potential conditions that may be developing. A colonoscopy may not be the most exciting appointment to schedule, but it can offer insight into your health and well-being. Here are several of the top reasons to schedule a colonoscopy and uncover potential problems that may be present.

It's a Fast Procedure

Although there's some prep required in the days leading up to a colonoscopy, it's still a quick procedure that takes about 25 minutes to perform. The screening is even good for up to 10 years, which means you don't have to worry about scheduling another appointment anytime soon.

Those who have a history of colon cancer in their family need to get a screening more often, but it can offer peace of mind once you get the results.

Colonoscopies Can Help Protect Your Health

A colonoscopy can tell your doctor more about your health than other types of exams and physicals. This can allow you to get an idea of any conditions that are developing and obtain the proper treatment sooner rather than later. It's one of the best steps you can take to protect your health and prevent certain conditions from going undetected until it's too late.

It's Painless

For those who haven't undergone a colonoscopy before, it can be intimidating to know what to expect. Fortunately, it's a painless process that doesn't leave you in any discomfort. You won't need to be prescribed any pain medications or take the rest of the week off from work. You'll feel like yourself within a few hours after the procedure.

Although it doesn't always seem fun to have a tube inserted, you won't feel anything, especially if you choose to get anesthesia. If you're nervous about the colonoscopy, the anesthesia will make it easy to relax, and the procedure will be over when you wake up. A nurse will also be present to monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout the whole process to ensure you stay safe.

One of the only symptoms most people experience following a colonoscopy is some minor gas, but this isn't much of an issue and won't interrupt any activities you want to participate in the rest of the day.

The First Screening Is Free

One of the main benefits that come with scheduling your first colonoscopy is that it's typically free after you turn 45. Your insurance provider will fully cover the screening to ensure you don't have to worry about budgeting or paying out of pocket. This allows you to schedule it at any time without thinking about your finances.

You Can Receive Treatment for GI Issues

Many people who suffer from gastrointestinal issues often have difficulty knowing what's going on in their intestines and if inflammation is present. You may have an issue with constipation or even notice blood in your stool. A colonoscopy can be extremely effective in diagnosing your problems and giving your GI doctor the information they need to create a treatment plan. For many people, it can offer relief, knowing they can finally obtain treatment for their problems and receive the medication they need to restore their health.

The Colonoscopy Prep Is Easier Than You Think

Over the years, colonoscopy prep has become a lot easier and more refined. You'll need to consume a laxative and set aside a few hours to spend using the restroom. You'll take another laxative in the morning to flush out more waste, and then, you can head to your appointment. It doesn't cause any discomfort or pain, and it won't cut into your busy schedule too much.

Colonoscopies Are Extremely Effective

There are many types of exams and screenings available to consider, but colonoscopies are still the most advanced and effective since they are a lot more thorough and can find things other types of screenings don't always catch. Although you have the option of choosing other types of screenings, such as stool-based tests or blood tests, the doctor may still order a colonoscopy if they find something suspicious that they want to get a closer look at.

Colonoscopies can uncover more than just cancer and can also help doctors detect if specific conditions, like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis, are present. The advanced technology used can make it easy to see bleeding or scarring in the colon as well as intestinal blockages. Doctors will know if certain conditions require surgery, which can resolve unusual symptoms you may be experiencing.

Diverticulosis is also a common condition that is often discovered through this procedure and can be easy to treat. Your doctor will give you guidance on the right dietary changes to make, which can prevent the condition from escalating and leading to serious issues in the future.

If cancer-causing polyps are found, the colonoscopy could save your life. It can be impossible to know if polyps are present internally unless you schedule a colonoscopy, making it necessary if you're over the age of 45 or you experience any unusual symptoms.

Understanding the benefits of scheduling a colonoscopy with your healthcare provider can aid you in prioritizing it, thus improving the quality of care they provide as you get older.

If you are looking for a practice to schedule your colonoscopy at, request an appointment on the Northlake Gastroenterology Associates website or by phoning one of our offices.