The length of abstinence after colonoscopy for polyps depends on the number of polyps removed and their location.
If the number of polyps removed at colonoscopy is large, more than 3, or if the polyps are located superiorly, the patient should not have intercourse for 2 weeks after the procedure. If the polyps are located more downward, such as the sigmoid colon or more downward, patients need to extend the intercourse time, and it is recommended to have intercourse after 1 month to avoid bleeding and infection. In addition, patients need to abstain from water for 24 hours after colonoscopic polypectomy. After 24 hours, patients should gradually transition from a liquid or semi-liquid diet to a normal diet and avoid indigestible and irritating foods for 1 week to avoid premature formation of hard stools, which may scratch the polypectomy wound and cause bleeding.
In addition, patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy should also be reviewed regularly after surgery according to the doctor’s requirements to observe whether the polyps recur.