A sigmoidoscopy can cause mild discomfort. You may feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement when the tube is inserted. You may also have brief muscle spasms or lower belly pain during the test. Taking deep breaths while the tube is being inserted may help decrease any pain.

Is a sigmoidoscopy as painful as a colonoscopy?

However, many people think colonoscopy is more painful and choose sigmoidoscopy for screening. However, according to experience in a self-payed health check-up center,unsedated total colonoscopy is not inferior or may be better than unsedated sigmoidoscopy in terms of pain and patients' acceptance.

How uncomfortable is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally not painful, though may be mildly uncomfortable. There might be a slight pinch if the doctor removes tissue for biopsy. Most people will be able to resume normal diet and activities immediately after the procedure.