Is it painful when a colonoscope is inserted?

This question was asked in Bloomington, Indiana on 03/14/2012.
My husband has a low tolerance for pain. He has been very stressed about getting a colonoscopy. He has been avoiding it because he thinks it might be painful. Is it actually that painful when the gastroenterologist inserts the colonoscope? What can I do to relax him?

Related Medical Information

Doctors Answers (1)

Harsha Vittal, M.D.
Answered on: 3/15/2012

Sedation is given prior to inserting the colonoscope, so most people have no discomfort during the colonoscopy procedure.