Can you still get a colonoscopy if you are having a herpes outbreak?

Call gi: Whenever there is an active infection the gastroenterologist may wish to defer performing the colonoscopy. call your doctor to discuss.

Check with Doctor: Call the office of the doctor performing the colonoscopy to see what their direction is. I suspect they would want to reschedule but I don't know for certain.

You could: but I think it would be a reasonable suggestion not to have it done at that time. The cleaning materials used on the scopes will kill the virus, but you put the people caring for you at potential risk. They all wear gloves and use sterile technique, but unless it was an emergency and you told them before that you had active herpes I think I would postpone. Please call and ask anonymously.

Yes.: You cannot transmit the Herpes infection to another part of your body after you get the initial infection. Your body produces antibodies that prevent other areas of your body from becoming infected--but it is possible to already have multiple areas involved from the same initial infection. Do tell the colonoscopy staff so that they may exercise greater contact precautions.