Yes, it is OK to shower before your procedure. Personal hygiene before or after colonoscopy is an individual choice. Some patients ask this question in the pre-procedure phase. From the gastrointestinal/medical standpoint, there is no requirement to shower or bathe the day prior to a screening colonoscopy. Once again, this is a personal choice. If it is important to you that you bathe just prior to the colonoscopy, then any physician or PA/NP seeing you in consultation prior to the procedure will indicate it is safe and acceptable to do so. Remember – you should feel comfortable undergoing your procedure. This includes preparing in a way that is congruent (or consistent) with the way you would like to present on the day of your colonoscopy.
Photo by Jared Rice.