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A sigmoidoscopy helps doctors see what's going on in the lower part of your colon. It uses a thin, bendy tube with a light and camera. This test is often done to check for signs of trouble like inflammation, polyps, or cancer.
A sigmoidoscopy looks at the rectum and lower colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope. It's gentle and moves carefully. A doctor can see images of your colon in real-time. It's less invasive than a full colonoscopy, but still gives important information.
There are many reasons why someone might need a sigmoidoscopy. You might have:
This test can spot polyps, bleeding spots, ulcers, and signs of cancer. Catching problems early makes treatment easier.
Getting ready for a sigmoidoscopy is simple. Here's what usually happens:
A clean colon helps your doctor see clearly during the sigmoidoscopy.
For the sigmoidoscopy, you'll lie on your left side. Most people don't need to be fully asleep. You might feel a bit of pressure or mild cramps. The doctor guides the scope in slowly and carefully. A puff of air helps open the colon so the camera can see well.
If there are polyps or anything unusual, small samples can be taken. These biopsies help figure out what's going on.
A sigmoidoscopy is quick. The whole thing usually lasts about 5 to 20 minutes. You'll be in the clinic a bit longer to get ready and to rest afterward. Most people head home soon after.
It's normal to feel a little bloated or crampy after a sigmoidoscopy. This is from the air that was put in your colon to help the doctor see. Passing gas can help. Most people can eat and get back to normal right away.
If you didn't have any medicine to help you relax, you can usually drive yourself home. If you did get some medication, you'll need someone to drive you.
A sigmoidoscopy is safe for most people. But like any medical test, there are rare risks. These can include:
If you have pain that gets worse, heavy bleeding, or a fever after your test, call your doctor right away.
Some people have shared their experiences with sigmoidoscopy online. Many talk about the feeling of bloating or mild cramps from the air. Others mention relief at how quick the test was.
Some people felt nervous about having it done. But many said it was easier than they expected. Knowing what to expect can really help calm those worries.
Both tests look inside your colon. But a sigmoidoscopy only looks at the lower part. A colonoscopy looks at the entire colon.
| Feature | Sigmoidoscopy | Colonoscopy |
|---|---|---|
| What it checks | Rectum and lower colon | The whole colon |
| Sedation used? | Rarely needed | Often needed |
| Prep work | Mild, with enemas | Full-day prep |
| Time it takes | 5–20 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
A sigmoidoscopy is great for checking out lower bowel issues fast. If bigger concerns come up, a colonoscopy can be done later.
For some people, a sigmoidoscopy is all they need. If problems like bleeding or pain are only in the lower part of the bowel, this test works well.
If a doctor finds something like polyps during the sigmoidoscopy, they might suggest a colonoscopy next. That way, the rest of the colon can be checked too.
After your sigmoidoscopy, you might have some mild bloating. This usually goes away on its own. Drinking water and walking a little can help you feel better.
If you have heavy bleeding, bad pain, or a fever later on, don't wait. Call your doctor to be sure everything is okay.
A sigmoidoscopy is a gentle, quick way to see inside your lower bowel. It can find early signs of trouble and help keep you healthy. While it can feel a bit awkward or scary at first, it's an important step in caring for yourself.