Bowel preparation for a colonoscopy is harder for women than men, according to an article published in the November 2008 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch.
Women are more likely to be constipated, so it may be more difficult to clear the bowel, according to the article. In addition, women are more likely than men to have irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain or spasm.
Harvard Women's Heath Watch suggests that women make sure they receive their colonoscopy prep instructions well before their procedure date and read them completely as soon as they receive them. In addition, women should arrange for the time and privacy needed to complete the prep with as little stress as possible, according to the article.
Also, Crystal Light or Kool-Aid powder (not red, blue, or purple, though) can be added to make a bad-tasting liquid prep easier to swallow, the newsletter said. Other techniques include drinking it chilled, drinking it through a straw far back on your tongue, or holding a lemon slice under the nose while drinking the prep.
A variety of clear liquids should be kept on hand to drink before, during, and after bowel prep, according to the article.
Related Reading
Rads launch VC consulting practice, October 27, 2008
ACRIN virtual colonoscopy training tied to performance, October 27, 2008
ACRIN trial shows VC's accuracy comparable to optical colonoscopy, September 18, 2008
VC training course expands with teleradiology, July 21, 2008
Radiographers perform VC with CAD -- and controversy, June 24, 2008
Copyright © 2008 AuntMinnie.com
