What A Female Colonoscopy Procedure Is All About?
You might have heard the term ‘Colonoscopy’. Do you know what it means and what is it all about? In this post, we will explain the female colonoscopy procedure ━ , and it’s before, during, and after effects.
Do you know how many colonoscopies occur in the United States each year? Almost 15 million females go through colonoscopy procedures every year. Doctors recommend colonoscopy to investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. This procedure can help a doctor explore possible causes of health conditions like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhoea, and other intestinal problems.
It is a false assumption that a female colonoscopy procedure is uncomfortable and unsafe. Not only this, but people also say that it is challenging to be prepared for colonoscopy. To know the fact behind these myths, we have composed this guide that includes the before, during and after effects. Read this post to explore more details about the female colonoscopy procedure. Let’s begin this guide with its introduction.
Female colonoscopy procedure: Introduction
Female colonoscopy is a procedure of examining the large intestine. During this procedure, a doctor inserts a colonoscope* through the rectum and into the colon. A doctor may also take a tissue sample or remove abnormal tissue during the procedure to check the conditions inside.
* A small, flexible tube with an attached camera.
What to expect before, during, and after a female colonoscopy procedure?
There is a lot to consider about the female colonoscopy procedure for a complete and successful treatment. It is essential to read before, during, and after instructions. Without proper preparation, the colonoscopy will not be successful, and the test may have to be repeated.
Before procedure
- The bowel must be cleaned properly to make it clearly visible.
- You may feel like vomiting while taking the bowel preparation. Wait for 30 minutes before drinking more fluid and small sips of solutions.
- Apply vaseline or other ointments to the skin around the anus before drinking the bowel preparation medication to prevent or reduce skin irritation.
- Wipe the skin properly after each bowel movement. It would be good to use the wet wipes instated of toilet paper. It is an essential part of a female colonoscopy procedure.
- Sit in the bathtub filled with warm water after you finish passing a stool. After soaking for 10-15 minutes, wipe the skin with a soft dry cloth. Apply vaseline or destine ointment to the anal area and place a cotton ball just outside your anus to prevent leaking fluids.
During procedure
If you follow the ‘before female colonoscopy procedure instructions’ properly, it means you are prepared for the procedure. It is the right time to know a few things about the colposcopy that is to happen during the procedure.
In the procedure, a long, flexible, about ½ inch in diameter instrument is inserted through the rectum to view the lining of the colon. In many cases, a colposcopy allows accurate diagnosis. Following are the things that a patient may ask:
- This is almost a 30 minutes procedure.
- You are asked to wear a hospital gown.
- In a female colonoscopy procedure, you are given a pain reliever to sedative intravenously to make you feel relaxed and somewhat drowsy.
- You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees drawn up towards your chest.
- Physicians can use a small amount of air to expand the colon and see the colon walls.
- You may feel little cramps during the procedure. You do not need to worry about it as it may get reduced by taking slow and deep breaths.
- The colonoscopy is slowly withdrawn.
After procedure
Once the female colonoscopy procedure is done, you will have to take a few precautions. Also, you have to wait for some time to recover.
- Once the colonoscopy is done, you have to be in observation until you are discharged.
- Recovery will take almost 1-2 days.
- Cramping or the sensation of having gas is common after a female colonoscopy procedure.
- If you have been given meditations, you must avoid driving. Better you ask someone responsible to take you home.
- Avoid alcohol, driving, and operating machinery for 24 hours following the procedure.
- Do not resume your regular diet unless you are asked.
- Wait for the recommendation to resume your normal activities.
- If polyps were removed or a biopsy was taken, avoid taking aspirin or such products containing aspirin.
- If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, you may notice light rectal bleeding for one or two days after the female colonoscopy procedure. In case of a large amount of bleeding, the passage of clots or abdominal should be immediately reported.
When is a colonoscopy necessary?
A colonoscopy is a method to check the large intestine to diagnose the gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Chronic constipation
- Stomach pain
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in males and females both. A doctor may recommend a male or female colonoscopy procedure to detect the early stage of colorectal cancer before symptoms develop. A colonoscopy is recommended for those who:
- Are aged 50 or older, even if there are no symptoms
- Have some medical history
Risks associated with colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is safe and does not cause any severe problems. However, some risk is associated with a female colonoscopy procedure when a biopsy or abnormal tissue is taken. The risks include:
- A decrease in breathing rate
- Change in heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
A female colonoscopy procedure is not typically painful because people are generally given sedation that makes them sleepy and relaxed. Also, you may feel mild discomfort for at least 24 hours. However, it is normal and you may not need to worry about this because the symptoms like gas pain and cramping will be gone in some time. If they long for more than 24 hours, consult with the doctor as soon as possible.
