Let’s be honest: Colonoscopy prep is about as fun as doing your taxes. But here’s the thing: It’s one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in both men and women. The good news is that getting your colon checked can help detect problems early, including colorectal cancer which is highly treatable when caught in time.
So yes, the prep can require a night at home by the bathroom, but it doesn’t have to be completely miserable. In fact, with the right mindset and a little pre-preparation, you can get through it, maybe even with a laugh or two.
We spoke with Helen Hall, MD, a colorectal surgeon with Banner Health, to explain why prep matters, what to expect and how to make the process more manageable.
Why colonoscopy prep is so important
Colonoscopy prep is the most important part of the procedure. A clean colon allows your doctor to see the lining of the colon and identify polyps, inflammation or other concerns.
“If the colon is not fully cleaned out, important details can be missed or the procedure may need to be repeated,” Dr. Hall said. “While bowel prep isn’t everyone’s favorite part, it’s a key part of your colonoscopy.”
A well-prepared colon allows your provider to give you the most accurate results and peace of mind.
When should I start getting screened?
Most adults should begin routine colonoscopy screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain health conditions, your provider may recommend screening even earlier.
Tips to make colonoscopy prep easier
1. Follow your provider’s instructions
Every colonoscopy prep plan is slightly different. Instructions may vary based on your age, health history, medications and the type of prep your provider recommends.
Most medications can be taken up until the day of the procedure but some may need to be adjusted, including:
- Blood thinners
- GLP-1 agonists
- SGLT-2 inhibitors
If something is unclear, or if you take medications for conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart disease or high blood pressure, talk to your health care team before starting prep. They can help you adjust medications safely.
2. Understand your prep options: Liquid vs. pills
There are two main types of oral laxatives for colonoscopy preparation. Both are effective but the experience can feel different.
- Liquid form (polymer-based formulas): This is the most commonly used option and involves drinking a prescribed solution mixed with water or another clear liquid. Examples include GoLYTELY, CoLyte, MiraLAX and NuLYTELY.
- Pill form (saline-based formulas): This option involves taking a series of tablets along with clear liquids. Some people find pills easier than drinking a large volume of liquid. Examples include SUTAB and OsmoPrep.
It’s important to know that pill prep may not be covered by all insurance plans and could require an out-of-pocket cost. Even so, some people prefer pill prep and feel it is worth the added expense.
Split-dose prep: Many providers recommend split-dose prep, meaning you take part of the laxative the evening before your procedure and the rest several hours before your screening.
“Split dosing helps clean the colon more thoroughly and can improve results,” Dr. Hall said. “Although waking up early isn’t ideal, split dosing often leads to better prep and a shorter procedure.”
3. Plan for diet changes
A few days to a week before your colonoscopy, your provider may ask you avoid high-fiber foods, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn and raw vegetables.
The day before your procedure, you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet, which may include:
- Water (still, sparkling, seltzer)
- Clear broth (chicken, beef or bone)
- Sports drinks like Gatorade
- Apple juice
- Ginger ale or Sprite
- Coffee and tea (but no milk or cream)
- Plain gelatin
- Ice pops (yellow, green or clear)
Avoid anything red, blue or purple. Do not drink alcohol and avoid smoking tobacco, cigars and vaping products.
4. Prepare for bathroom time
Once you start the laxative, expect many trips to the bathroom. This is normal and means the prep is doing its job.
“Stock the bathroom with soft toilet paper, wipes or skin-soothing products like witch hazel or gentle creams to soothe mild irritation,” Dr. Hall said.
Use blotting instead of aggressive wiping to help reduce irritation.
5. Take the prep solution
The day before your colonoscopy, in the afternoon or early evening (depending on when your procedure is the next day), you will begin taking the prep solution.
If you are drinking the solution, you will be drinking several ounces every 15 minutes the night before and the morning of the test.
Dr. Hall shares tips to make this prep more tolerable:
- Chill the solution or drink it over ice
- Use a straw for easier sipping
- Chase the solution with a drink like Sprite, ginger ale or lemon-lime Gatorade
- Sip slowly. Don’t chug.
6. What to expect on procedure day
Finish the prep as instructed. If using a split-dose, the second dose is taken a few hours before arrival. Stick to clear liquids up until your scheduled time. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You’ll want something easy to slip on and off.
And remember: Arrange a driver to pick you up after your colonoscopy, as sedation is used during the procedure.
The procedure usually takes less than an hour and most people don’t remember it. Afterward, you may feel sleepy, bloated or gassy. These effects usually pass quickly.
After a colonoscopy, most people can begin eating again with a light meal like soup, toast or yogurt, then slowly return to their diet. Celebrate with something fun, like a small treat or your favorite snack.
Your provider will review your results and let you know when you should schedule your next screening.
Takeaway
Colonoscopy prep isn’t glamorous. Even with all the awkward moments, the diet changes, the clear liquids and the bathroom marathons, colonoscopy prep is worth it. Detecting polyps early can prevent cancer. That’s not just life-saving, it’s life-extending.
If you have questions or concerns about colorectal cancer, talk to your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
