5 tips for prepping for a colonoscopy

Let’s face it—prepping for a colonoscopy isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But a screening colonoscopy can allow your doctor to find and remove polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the large intestine, which is part of the colon) before they become cancerous, stopping cancer before it starts. For those of average risk, colorectal cancer screening (with a colonoscopy or other option) should begin at age 45.

With a few clever tricks, the process can be a bit more bearable. Here are five to help you through:

1. Drink your prep through a straw—and keep it cold.

The infamous prep solution. While drinking colonoscopy prep is not anybody’s favorite part, some find it easier to do when using a straw and keeping the solution cold. This will help bypass some of those taste buds and get it down faster. Got any cocktail umbrellas lying around? Pretend you’re sipping on a fancy drink at the beach—manifesting is key.

2. Add flavor to your prep solution

Some prep solutions allow you to add flavor packets or mix it with another drink like flavored water (without carbonation) or sports drinks (so long as they don’t contain red, blue or purple dyes). Talk with your health care provider who prescribed the prep to see if this is an option for you—and if it is, take full advantage! While it may not turn the prep into a gourmet experience, every little bit helps.

3. Get comfortable and stay near the bathroom

Clear your schedule and get comfy. Colonoscopy prep is the perfect excuse to binge-watch your favorite shows or catch up on a book you’ve been meaning to read. Set up a cozy spot (preferably near the bathroom) and settle in for a day or night of relaxation (with frequent intermissions). When you’re finished with your colonoscopy, treat yourself to a nice meal—you deserve it!

4. Use soothing wipes

Invest in some high-quality, soothing wet wipes. Trust us, your future self will thank you when you’re making frequent trips to the bathroom where the regular toilet paper just won’t cut it. Treat yourself to the softest, most luxurious wipes you can find. Your behind deserves the best!

5. Use humor

They say laughter is the best medicine, and when it comes to colonoscopy prep, we couldn’t agree more. Read some funny articles about others’ experiences or chat with a friend who has been through the process before to swap stories (and maybe commiserate a little bit, too). Keeping your spirits up can make the whole process feel a lot less daunting. Remember, this too shall pass (pun intended).

For more information on colorectal cancer and screening options available to you, visit preventcancer.org/colorectal.