A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that helps your doctor examine your colon. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will insert a thin tube into your colon to take a look at the inner lining. If you’ve never been asked to have a colonoscopy, you might be wondering if you can take Viagra before the procedure.
Can You Take Viagra Before a Colonoscopy?
You can take Viagra, but it’s not recommended by your doctor. According to WebMD, taking Viagra within 24 hours of the procedure can cause bleeding in some cases. Your doctor might also suggest avoiding grapefruit and taking aspirin or an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) such as Celebrex or Ibuprofen to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Why Is A Colonoscopy Necessary?
Just like your body’s other organs, your colon needs to be examined and maintained regularly because it can become damaged or diseased over time. A colonoscopy is a simple and effective way to do this. However, there are some conditions that require a colonoscopy specifically.
One of the most common reasons for a colonoscopy is to examine the colon for polyps. There are more than 100 polyp causes, and many of them are hereditary. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC), you might want to consider getting screened for this deadly disease. If you’re found to have one of these polyps, your doctor will remove it during the procedure and tell you what kind it was. You’ll need to have follow-up exams and treatments as a result, but at least you’ll be aware of the risk. This is one reason why a colonoscopy is such an essential part of wellness care.
When Should You Have A Colonoscopy?
Just like you would with any other medical test or procedure, your doctor will advise you of when to have a colonoscopy based on your health history and the results of your last fecal occult blood test. Ideally, you should have one every year, beginning at age 50. If you’re at risk for bowel cancer (CRC), you might want to have one sooner rather than later. Be sure to consult with your doctor about what would be the best time for you.
Is There Any Way To Prepare For A Colonoscopy?
While it’s not always possible to prepare for a colonoscopy, there are ways to make it less invasive and less uncomfortable. As you’re aware, the procedure involves putting a tube up your rectum, and that’s why most people feel anxious and worried about it. Your doctor will give you a laxative that will gently clean out your bowels and hopefully make you comfortable the entire time.
If you have a hereditary condition that can be passed down through the male line (e.g., colon cancer), your doctor might want to screen your father and grandfather as well. He might also suggest getting a first-degree relative’s (i.e., your mom’s) colonoscopy. This will help determine if she’s at risk for colon cancer as well.
Can You Take Some Preparations For A Colonoscopy?
Certain medications and supplements can help reduce the risk of bleeding during a procedure such as a colonoscopy. Your doctor might suggest taking a calcium tablet or vitamin E (Tocotrienol) daily. Some research also suggests that taking a vitamin C supplement can reduce the risk of bleeding during a colonoscopy. Just remember that these are just suggestions and you should consult with your doctor to determine what would be the best course of action for you.
Can You Have A Colonoscopy At Home?
If you’re physically able to follow instructions, you can have a colonoscopy at home. Some research suggests that this might even be less invasive than having the procedure at a medical facility. However, this will depend on what kind of anesthesia you choose. If you’re going to have the procedure at home, it’s important to mention that the pain will be much more severe than what you’d experience at a medical facility. This is why most people prefer to have the procedure at a hospital or clinic. You might want to consider asking your doctor about this option as well.
What If You Need To Go To The Emergency Room After The Procedure?
After your colonoscopy, there will be an internal examination to make sure the procedure was successful. If you have any signs of bleeding or complications, you’ll need to be taken to the emergency room for further tests and treatment. This is why some people feel better if they have the procedure as soon as possible after the initial soreness wears off. Some research even suggests that this might be the best option for most people. Your doctor will give you antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication.
Having a colonoscopy can be a painful experience, especially if you’re not prepared for it. However, it’s an important part of preventing certain diseases and checking for signs of cancer. Be sure to get all the information you need before taking the step. Your doctor will be able to help you prepare for the procedure and answer any questions you might have.