Frequently Asked Questions

A clear bowel is essential for your doctor to see the lining of your colon. If stool is left behind, important findings may be missed or the procedure may need to be repeated.

Yes. Colon hydrotherapy is used alongside your doctor’s instructions, not as a replacement. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a reduced amount of oral prep, but this must be directed by them.

Most people manage with oral prep alone, but sometimes it doesn’t fully clear the bowel. This can happen if:

• You live with chronic constipation or slow bowel motility.
• You find it hard to tolerate large volumes of the prep solution.
• You’ve previously had a colonoscopy stopped or repeated because the bowel wasn’t clean enough.

In these cases, your doctor may recommend adding colon hydrotherapy. It can be used proactively (before your first colonoscopy if you’re at higher risk) or as extra support after an incomplete procedure, helping to give the best chance of a clear result.

Colon hydrotherapy gently rinses the large bowel with warm, filtered water. It helps flush out waste that oral prep might leave behind, supporting a more complete cleanse and reducing the chance of having to repeat your procedure.

Most people benefit from 2–3 sessions in the days before their colonoscopy. The final session is usually scheduled the day before or morning of your procedure.

• You’ll be welcomed into a private room.
• A small, single-use tube (about the width of a pencil) is gently self-inserted for comfort and privacy.
• Warm, filtered water flows gently by gravity — never by pressure.
• Waste is released naturally and discreetly. 
• A trained hydrotherapist is nearby to support you throughout.

Most people find the process easier and more comfortable than expected.

No. Colon hydrotherapy is not part of standard hospital preparation in Australia. It is available through private practice (like Glow Colonics) as a supportive option alongside oral prep. Some doctors recommend it for patients who have difficulty with prep or who have had incomplete cleansing in the past.

Ideally, book 2–3 sessions in advance of your colonoscopy, with the final one the day before or morning of your procedure. This ensures your bowel is as clean as possible on the day.