What Is The Sigmoid Colon?

Sigmoid Colon Pain

The sigmoid colon is an s-shaped section of the colon near the end of the intestines. It is the part of the large intestine that's closest to the rectum and anus. It is also called sigmoid flexure or the pelvic colon.  

The sigmoid colon is approximately one foot or 40cm in length. It extends from the left side of the abdomen to the central portion of the pelvis.

The main function of the sigmoid colon is to contract and regulate the movement of stool into the rectum. From there, stool moves to the anus.

The sigmoid colon is the final stop for processing the food you've eaten. It, in effect, extracts any remaining nutrients and water from digested waste matter before it moves on to the rectum and out of the body. The sigmoid colon also secretes a type of mucus to make this passage smoother and easier.

Pain in the sigmoid colon There are a number of conditions and disorders that cause pain in the sigmoid colon.

When you experience constipation, it's usually a sign that the sigmoid colon has a problem. This is most likely to happen because you've eaten something (or a lot of things) that your digestive tract is having trouble processing.

Eating foods that have a high fiber content can prevent constipation. Fiber can't be digested, so it remains in the colon and helps the stool absorb more water, which softens the stool. At the same time, fiber adds a certain amount of bulk, which makes it easier to move stool through the digestive system.

Diverticulosis in the sigmoid colon There's a relatively common colon disorder called diverticulosis that can occur anywhere in the colon, but happens most often in the sigmoid colon. When you have diverticulosis in the sigmoid colon, small pouches grow in the lining of the colon. These pouches sometimes bulge through the colon wall, which may cause cramping, bloating, and constipation. When these pouches become inflamed, a condition called diverticulitis occurs.

To learn more about disorders that cause sigmoid colon pain, click on diverticulosis and diverticulitis.

Other signals that there may be something wrong in the sigmoid colon include

• Diarrhea
• Abdomen pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dehydration

Besides eating foods that are rich in fiber, there are a number of other things that help keep the sigmoid colon healthy.

• Don't eat a lot of fatty foods (like red meat) or a lot of dairy products.
• Get some regular exercise.
• Don't smoke.
• Drink plenty of water

Cleansing the sigmoid colon Colon cleansing has become popular in recent years. Cleansing involves the use of powdered or liquid supplements. Some of these are taken by mouth. Others are inserted in the rectum as a suppository or in the form of an enema.

There's also a more sophisticated process of colon cleansing called a high colonic. This is done by a colonic hygienist or colon therapists using a machine that irrigates the colon. It is similar to an enema, but it involves more water and none of the odors or discomfort. It is done while you lie on a table. A machine or gravity-driven pump flushes up to 20 gallons of water through a tube that is placed in your rectum.

Medical professionals are still debating whether there's really much value in colon cleansing. But a fairly large industry has grown up around it in the last few decades.

If you're thinking about cleansing your colon by using a commercial product or service, it would probably be a good idea to talk to your doctor first.

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