Practical • patient-first • Updated: 2025-12-14
Your first colonoscopy: what to do, what to expect
The first colonoscopy is often the most daunting. This site lays out the usual steps—prep, sedation, the procedure, and recovery—so you can prepare calmly and ask better questions.
Screening is for people without symptoms. Investigation is for symptoms (bleeding, anaemia, change in bowel habit) and often needs faster assessment.
At-a-glance
- Average risk: screening often begins around 45–50.
- Symptoms: bleeding or iron‑deficiency anaemia should be assessed at any age.
- Prep quality affects accuracy: see bowel prep.
- Sedation varies by country and facility: see sedation.
Urgent red flags: heavy bleeding, black stools, fainting, severe/worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever.
