Colonoscopies can be important preventative procedures for individuals to undergo. Not surprisingly, this is a procedure that most people will generally not want to think about, but it can be an important part of meeting their medical needs. 

Assumption: A Colonoscopy Is Only Needed If You Suspect A Problem

An especially common assumption about colonoscopies is that they are only needed when a person suspects that they are developing a serious problem with their colon. In reality, this is a procedure that is an important diagnostic option for diagnosing and mitigating a range of serious problems. In particular, colon cancer can be one of the conditions that may be discovered with these procedures, which can allow a patient to have a significantly higher chance of beating the disease with prompt treatment.

For most individuals, it is advisable to have this procedure completed every decade. However, those that are at an elevated risk of developing colon cancer should undergo this procedure more frequently to increase the chances of these conditions being diagnosed.

Assumption: A Colonoscopy Procedure Will Have A Long Recovery Time

Individuals that have never had a colonoscopy may be under the impression that this is a procedure that will involve them having a lengthy recovery time. While this may seem like it would make sense, the reality is that most patients will find that their recovery is limited to the amount of time that it takes for the anesthetics to wear off. Patients will be fully sedated for this procedure, and it may take several hours for the effects of these medications to wear off. However, the patient should not experience significant discomfort or pain following this diagnostic procedure.

Assumption: Only Men Need To Undergo Regular Colonoscopy Procedures

It is common for men to need to undergo regular colonoscopy procedures as they age due to them being at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. However, this does not mean that this is a procedure that only men will need. Women can still be vulnerable to developing colon cancer, and this can make it extremely beneficial for them to undergo this procedure as well. In particular, women with a family history of colon cancer should undergo these diagnostic procedures as they age. Fortunately, this is a procedure that will be covered by insurance, which can allow individuals to receive this essential preventative assessment while avoiding the need to directly pay out of pocket.

Contact a local doctor's office, such as Gastro Health, to learn more.