Do Women Get Colonoscopies? What You Need To Know
In this post you will be reading about Do Women Get Colonoscopies? What You Need To Know.
I remember Googling, “Do women get colonoscopies?” like it was some mysterious thing only older men did. Spoiler: Yes, we do. And we should.
No one wants to get a colonoscopy.
But if you’ve been putting it off because you’re nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure what to expect, you’re not alone.
I had my first colonoscopy at 41 due to my father being diagnosed with colon cancer and some unexplained stomach issues that I was having.
I remember googling as much as I could and thought I’d share what I learned from my experience in the hopes to make someone else’s experience a little easier.
Whether you’re here because it’s time for your first screening, or you’re facing one for medical reasons, these are the best tips and tricks I wish someone had told me before my colonoscopy. Let’s go!
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Why Do Women Get Colonoscopies?
As women, we need to normalize the fact that we need colorectal screenings—especially once we hit our mid-40s or if there’s a family history of colon cancer or GI issues.
According to the CDC: “colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.” (Read More)
And early detection is everything.
That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends screening start at age 45, regardless of gender. (Read More)
So yes—women get colonoscopies.
Smart women. Proactive women. Women who care about staying around for themselves, their kids, partners, and futures.
Conquer the Colonoscopy Prep Like a Pro
I agree with everyone. The worst part isn’t the procedure—it’s the prep.
More than anything, for me it was the fact that I was SO hungry!
That salty liquid you have to drink is not pleasant but it’s also not impossible!
So don’t avoid a procedure!
Start Prepping Early
It’s Not Just About the Day Before
This is key in order to make everything as easy as possible.
Remember, we want the exam to go as well as possible, this way we don’t have to do a repeat and the medical team is able to see everything crystal clear.
1. Eat Low-Fiber Two Days Before
A couple days ahead, start switching to low-fiber, easily digestible foods like:
- White rice
- Eggs
- Applesauce (Avoid: fruits with skin)
- Juice: (Avoid pulp)
- Yogurt
- White bread
- White pasta
- Cereal (Example: Corn Flakes)
- Lean meat (Example: Chicken)
- Fish
It’s not the time to be super healthy—it’s time to give your digestive system a break.
I personally was hungry eating low fiber foods but just kept reminding myself that the goal is to have everything in the best conditions possible for the exam.
So keep in mind that high fiber foods help you feel full for longer…. So I was HUNGRY even though I was eating.
Tip: The day before my colonoscopy I went to a Vietnamese restaurant and ordered plain noodle Pho. This is just noodles and broth (no vegetables). Ordered extra broth to drink the next day during my clear liquid diet day.
Clear Liquid Day Diet. Tips That Worked For Me
1. Mate
I’m from Argentina so my go to drink early in the morning was Mate.
This is a tea you can drink that is not only full of antioxidants, but it also gives you a satiated feeling so you won’t be craving food as often.
It’s also a mild laxative so be mindful it will contribute to your dehydration.
I had this the day before but not the day of the procedure since I wanted to make sure I only drank hydrating drinks that day..
Amazon link
2. Broth
This is a great way to feel full without really eating anything solid.
Let’s face it, it’s nice to have something salty to mix things up a little.
Broth is 100% allowed—and actually recommended. It gives your body sodium, hydration, and a little warmth and flavor, which is much-needed when you’re not allowed solid food. (Read More)
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth – is a great example.
I personally simply had my husband go to out local Pho restaurant and order just broth. 🙂
It feels like a warm hug, especially when you are dealing with feeling cold from the lack of food.
3. Gatorade:
This is what I drank to keep my hydration going.
Since you have to be careful with colors and dyes I simply followed what other people recommended and got Frost Glacier Cherry which is a white.
4. Ginger Ale
This not only helped me when I started feeling a little bit of an upset stomach due to the not eating but the fact that it is carbonated (bubbles) kept me feeling full.
Getting Ready for the Colonoscopy Prep Drink
It is no fun when you walk out of the pharmacy with a giant bottle that you know you are going to have to drink.
In my caseI had to drink this in two takes.
Half of the bottle at 6pm the day before my colonoscopy and the other half 6 hours before the procedure.
Since my appointment was for 1pm I had to start drinking the second dose at 7 am which gave me some time to sleep and recover.
Tips for drinking the Prep Drink
1. Chill the Prep Drink and Use a Straw
Cold helps dull the taste.
Drinking it with a straw, aimed toward the back of your mouth, makes it go down easier.
I also chased each sip with a bit of lemonade or lime juice to kill the aftertaste.
16 Pack of Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws is a great choice.
2. Split Dosing Is Your Friend
Ask your doctor about split dosing—where you drink half the prep the night before, and half in the morning.
Studies show it leads to a cleaner colon and fewer side effects.
I found it more manageable, too.
Just make sure you time it according to your procedure time.
Although in my case (and with my anxiety) I started drinking the prep sooner than 6 pm and it’s a good thing I did. Because My appointment was for 1:15 pm and they called to ask if I could make it to the 11:30 am one.
Which I did and I’m glad for it because I was STARVING 🙂
TMI, but thats what we are here for: In the morning after I drank the second half of the prep drink and after a few visits to the bathroom… my bowels were “clean” and the water coming out was clear. So I was able to make the change in appointment with no problem.
Loma Linda University Medical Center had a PDF on “What To Do Before YouHave A Colonoscopy” which is very useful.
3. Set Up Your Bathroom for success
Let’s be honest—you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.
Make it comfy.
A few suggestions to keep in mind:
- A big water bottle, or gatorade. Stay hydrated.
- A heating pad. This helps if you start feeling cramps. I personally didn’t need it.
- Vaseline or diaper cream. All the wiping can cause irritation.
- A cozy robe and fuzzy socks. You will feel colder than usual.
- Flushable wipes or use a bidet.
- An option is a Peri Bottle – Portable Hand Held Travel Bidet Sprayer.
And of course… your phone or tablet.
It’s good to be distracted while you are in there and your stomach starts rumbling.
Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
You’ll be losing a lot of fluids during prep, so start hydrating the day before. Aim for clear liquids like:
- Water
- Apple juice
- Clear broth
- Herbal tea
- Electrolyte drinks like Liquid I.V.
Avoid anything red, purple, or blue—they can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.
What to Wear and Bring on Colonoscopy Day
1. Choose Comfy, Loose Clothing
You’ll want clothes that are easy to slip on and off, especially since you may feel bloated or a little gassy afterward. I wore high-waisted leggings, a loose tee, and a cardigan. No regrets.
2. Don’t Forget a Designated Driver
You’ll be under sedation during the procedure, so legally and physically, you can’t drive home. I brought my sister, and she also doubled as my snack holder afterward. Win-win.
What to Expect (Time-wise)
The female colonoscopy procedure typically takes about 20 to 45 minutes from start to finish—but the full process at the clinic usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, including check-in, prep, and recovery time.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Arrival and check-in: 30–60 minutes before your procedure.
- Procedure itself: 20–45 minutes.
- Recovery (waking up from sedation): 30–60 minutes.
Even though the procedure is the same for men and women, women may experience slight differences during insertion due to anatomical differences (like a longer or more mobile colon or post-pregnancy changes).
This doesn’t usually affect the duration, but it may influence comfort level—which is why sedation is usually recommended.
After the Colonoscopy: What to Expect
1. You’ll Be Sleepy (and a Little Gassy)
The air they pump into your colon doesn’t disappear magically. It needs to come out—so don’t be surprised if you pass a little (or a lot of) gas after the procedure. It’s totally normal.
2. You Can Eat Again—Gently
Start with something bland like toast, broth, or scrambled eggs. I craved a big sandwich but stuck with soft foods for the first few hours to avoid upsetting my stomach.
Colonoscopy Guidelines For Women With A Family History
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
If one first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) had colon cancer or advanced polyps:
- Start screening at age 40 or 10 years before the age that relative was diagnosed—whichever comes first
- (Example: If your mom was diagnosed at 45, you should start at 35.)
- Repeat every 5 years (not every 10 like average-risk individuals), unless your doctor advises differently.
FAQ: Do Women Get Colonoscopies? And Other Questions Answered
Q: Is a colonoscopy painful for women?
A: The procedure itself isn’t painful because you’re sedated. Some mild bloating is normal but temporary.
Q: Can I wear makeup or nail polish?
A: It’s best to skip both. Staff need to monitor your skin tone and oxygen levels, and polish can interfere with that.
Q: How do I deal with the embarrassment?
A: Honestly? The medical team does this every day. You are not the first woman to feel awkward, and they’re not judging you. Promise.
In this post you read about Do Women Get Colonoscopies? What You Need To Know.
To Summarize
You’re Stronger Than You Think
I know it’s not the most glamorous health milestone—but getting a colonoscopy is something I now feel proud of. It means I took control of my health. And you should too.
If you’ve been wondering, “Do women get colonoscopies?” let this be your sign: yes, we do. And it’s a powerful, preventive step that could save your life.
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