Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to: Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. A colonoscopy can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems. Screen for colon cancer.

Most people feel nothing more than slight discomfort during the procedure because mild sedation and pain medication are part of the procedure. Some people do not feel much pain even without sedation, but some may experience cramps and pain.

- Rectal bleeding. - Change in bowel habits including loose stools (diarrhoea) constipation or narrower than normal stools. - Abdominal pain. - Feeling like your bowel isn't emptying completely. - Stomach pain or cramps, bloating. - Sudden weight loss.

You will be completely asleep during the procedure.