Colonoscopies are significant medical exams, because they help to decipher whether a patient has colon cancer or other diseases. But at what point should you get a colonoscopy?Should it be in your list of annual medical exams, or, should you wait until you start seeing symptoms that are a cause for concern.Colonoscopies are recommended once every ten years, after the age of 50. However, if there is a history of rectal cancers in your family, this time span will be decreased by your doctor.In addition, if you happen to suffer constantly form the following:
- Rectal Bleeding or pain
- Bowel Movements
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
Then your doctor will most likely refer you to a gastroenterologist, who will then perform a colonoscopy.Before the ProcedureYour gastroenterologist will put you on a liquid diet, one to three days prior to the procedure. This is done to get the most effective results possible. Recommendations include consuming liquids that do not contain food colorings, and those that are mostly transparent.After the ProcedureYour physician will provide recommendations on diet and rest, which will be needed a few days after the colonoscopy procedure.If you have a scheduled colonoscopy, we wish you the best of luck.