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.”
And early detection is everything.
That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends screening start at age 45, regardless of gender.
So yes—women get colonoscopies.
Smart women. Proactive women. Women who care about staying around for themselves, their kids, partners, and futures.
Conquer Your 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!
How Early Should You Begin Colonoscopy Preparation
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.
Start a Low-Fiber Diet Two Days Before Your Colonoscopy
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 Diet for Colonoscopy Prep (Tips That Worked for Me)
1. Drink Yerba Mate to Stay Energized During Colonoscopy Prep
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..
2. Sip Broth to Stay Nourished During Colonoscopy Prep
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.
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 for Colonoscopy Prep: Why It Helps
This is what I drank to keep my hydration going.
Since you’re losing fluids and electrolytes while clearing your system, Gatorade helps replace what your body is losing, especially sodium and potassium. It also gives you a little bit of energy from the sugar, which can make a big difference when you’re running on empty.
For me, sipping Gatorade throughout the day helped:
- Prevent headaches
- Reduce dizziness
- Keep my energy from crashing
- Make the prep feel more manageable
Since you have to be careful with colors and dyes I simply followed what other people recommended and got Frost Glacier Cherry which is white.
4. Ginger Ale to Settle Your Stomach During Colonoscopy Prep
By the time I got to this part of prep, my stomach was feeling a little off—empty, gurgly, and slightly nauseous. Ginger ale was a lifesaver.
The gentle bubbles helped ease that unsettled feeling, and the ginger itself made my stomach feel calmer.
I didn’t drink it all at once—just small sips throughout the day whenever my stomach felt weird or I started to feel queasy.
It was comforting, refreshing, and gave me something that felt “normal” when everything else felt anything but.
5. Candy And Jello For Colonoscopy Prep
Clear liquid day was honestly the hardest part for me. I was starving!
I missed chewing and texture. Having a small treat like clear candy and Jello made a big difference in how manageable the day felt.
Preparing Yellow or clear Jello is a great and easy option.
Haribo ALL Pineapple Goldbears (the clear ones with no dark dyes) were a MUST for me. I carried them around with me 🙂
These helped me:
- Satisfy the urge to chew
- Stay on track with the clear liquid diet
As long as they are clear or light-colored and follow your doctor’s prep rules, these little options can make clear liquid day feel so much easier.
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 case I 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.
How to Drink Colonoscopy Prep Without Getting Sick
1. Chill the Colonoscopy 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-Dose Colonoscopy Prep: What to Expect
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. How to Prepare Your Bathroom for Colonoscopy Prep
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 During Colonoscopy Prep
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 drinking anything red, purple, or blue—they can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.
What to Wear and Bring on Colonoscopy Day (So You Feel Comfortable)
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.
A longe set is the best choice. Comfort yet cute. No regrets.
Example: RUMIA Lounge Sets for Women.
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 husband, and he doubled as my snack holder afterward.
Win-win.
What to Expect (Time-wise)
When I went in for my colonoscopy, I was surprised to learn that the actual procedure itself is pretty short—about 20 to 45 minutes.
What takes longer is everything around it.
From the moment I checked in to the time I felt awake and ready to go home, I was at the clinic for about 2 to 3 hours total.
Here’s what the day looked like for me:
- Check-in and prep: I arrived about 30 minutes early to get ready and talk with the staff.
- The procedure: Once I was taken back, the colonoscopy itself only took about 20–45 minutes.
- Recovery: Afterward, I spent another 30–60 minutes waking up from sedation and resting before going home.
For me, knowing I wouldn’t feel anything helped take away a lot of the anxiety—and honestly, the whole thing was much easier than I had imagined.
For more on what a colonoscopy is and why it’s done, see the American Cancer Society’s guide on the procedure.
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.
In fact I had one of the nurses congratulate me for passing gas while I was waiting in the recovery room 🙂
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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About The Author
Written by Belén, a former therapist, late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, and stay-at-home mom to her autistic son. She creates thoughtful, practical content to support caregivers and families navigating hospital stays, disability, and neurodivergent life.
Learn why women need colonoscopies too, what to expect, how to prepare, and expert tips for a smoother experience — from diet and prep drinks to timing and comfort.