Colonoscopy at the
Digestive Health Clinic in Boise & Nampa

Ph: (208) 489-1900

digestion illustration digestion illustration

Maintaining your health, especially concerning preventive care like colonoscopies, may come with questions and perhaps a hint of anxiety if it’s your first time. Particularly for people ages 45 and above, understanding the intricacies of a procedure like a colonoscopy and recognizing when to seek such a service from a GI doctor becomes important. When you're ready to schedule your first or next colonoscopy, the Digestive Health Clinic is a trusted resource for Treasure Valley residents.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the colon (large intestine). This exploratory procedure is crucial in detecting abnormalities or changes in the colon and rectum, such as polyps or cancerous cells.

Performed with a tool called a colonoscope (a long, flexible tube with a camera at its tip), a colonoscopy allows your gastro doctor to visualize the internal aspects of your colon, for diagnosing and planning subsequent medical actions. Most patients are typically put under general anesthesia and a mild painkiller to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.


colonoscopy

What Are The Signs That You Should Have a Colonoscopy?

One of the first indicators that it’s time to get a colonoscopy is if you’re 45 or older. Men and women should both schedule their first colonoscopy sometime in the first year after turning 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative (parent or sibling) or you have inflammatory bowel disease, you should screen at an earlier age, which should be discussed with your primary care provider or gastroenterologist. If the screening is clear, you will not need to get another for 10 years. If you have a history of colon cancer or other conditions in your family, this could be shortened to every 5 years, or as often as your doctor suggests.

Irrespective of age, gender, or family history, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, a colonoscopy could be required to make an adequate diagnosis.

Colonoscopy information
Colonoscopy information

Common signs you need a colonoscopy include:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Changes in bowel habits
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Narrow bowel movements
  • Abdominal pain
  • Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Unusual fatigue

Each of these symptoms, if chronic or unexplainable, warrant scheduling an appointment and colonoscopy with Digestive Health Clinic. Depending on your unique symptoms and medical history, we might also suggest a stool test to check for blood in the stool or a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines the rectum and lower third of the colon.

Should I Be Worried If I Need a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a routine form of preventative healthcare that most people will undertake at some point in their life. Men over the age of 45 should be particularly diligent about getting their routine colonoscopies, or even schedule them sooner if colon cancer, Chrons, or Ulcerative Colitis run in their family. Since colon cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, regular colonoscopy and colon screenings can help men catch it in the early stages, when treatment might be more effective.

If the results are negative – meaning the doctor found small or no polyps, or if you have an average or below risk for colon cancer – you will not need a colonoscopy for the next 10 years.

If the results are positive – the doctor removed a concerning number, size or type of polyps, a history of polyps, or genetic concerns – your doctor will likely suggest a colonoscopy in 1-7 years.

Excellence in Digestive Health Care in Boise & Nampa

At the Digestive Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on our excellence in digestive care. Our GI doctors are dedicated to listening to your concerns, understanding your needs, and developing a treatment plan that works best for you when necessary.

By consistently staying at the forefront of new procedures and committing to the highest quality services, we ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. Schedule an appointment with us today at (208) 489-1838 and take the first step towards comprehensive and compassionate care.

Schedule Appointment
Digestive Health Clinic logo

Central Contact

Ph: (208)489-1900
Fax: (208)375-5286
digestivehealthclinic.com

View Locations

PATIENT PORTAL
BILL PAY