human
I've been told I need to get a colonoscopy, but I'm afraid of what I might find out.
assistant
You're not alone in feeling anxious about getting a colonoscopy. Many people feel this way, and it's perfectly normal. However, you should know that the procedure is very safe and pain-free. Colonoscopies are done by a doctor or nurse practitioner, who will use an instrument called a colonoscope to examine your large intestine. The scope is inserted through the rectum and slowly moved up the colon. It takes about 10 minutes for the scope to move from the rectum to the cecum. During the exam, the doctor or nurse practitioner may take pictures and remove polyps if they are found. After the exam, the doctor cleans the area with water and removes any excess fluid. Then, he/she will apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area before removing the scope. Most people report minimal discomfort during the procedure.