There are 2 types of cystoscopy: a flexible cystoscopy and a rigid cystoscopy.

Both involve passing a thin viewing tube called a cystoscope along the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body) and into the bladder, but they're done in slightly different ways.

Men and women can have either type of cystoscopy. Ask your doctor or nurse which type you're going to have if you're not sure.

Flexible cystoscopy

A flexible cystoscopy is where a thin (about the width of a pencil) and bendy cystoscope is used. You stay awake while it's carried out.

Preparation

You'll be sent instructions to follow before your appointment. This will include advice about eating, drinking, and what to do about any medicines you're taking.

You can usually eat and drink as normal before a flexible cystoscopy.

Before the procedure starts, you'll be asked to undress from the waist down and put on a hospital gown.

You may be asked to pee into a container so it can be checked for an infection. The procedure may be delayed if a urine infection is found.

The procedure

For a flexible cystoscopy:

• you lie down flat on a special couch
• your genitals are cleaned with an antiseptic and a sheet is placed over the surrounding area
• local anaesthetic gel is applied to your urethra to numb it and help the cystoscope move along it more easily
• the cystoscope is inserted into your urethra and gently moved down towards your bladder
• water may be pumped into your bladder so your doctor or nurse can see inside it more clearly – you may be able to see images sent to a monitor by a camera in the cystoscope

The cystoscope is usually removed after a few minutes. A nurse will stay with you throughout to explain what's happening.

Does it hurt?

People often fear that a cystoscopy will be painful, but it doesn't usually hurt. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel any pain during it.

It can be a bit uncomfortable and you may feel like you need to pee during the procedure, but this will only last a few minutes.

Afterwards

After the cystoscope is removed, you may need to go straight to the toilet to empty your bladder before changing back into your clothes.

Your doctor or nurse may be able discuss the results of the cystoscopy shortly afterwards. But if a small tissue sample was removed for testing (biopsy), you may not get the results for 2 or 3 weeks.

You can usually go home shortly after a flexible cystoscopy.

Read about recovering from a cystoscopy for more information.

Rigid cystoscopy

A rigid cystoscopy is where a cystoscope that doesn't bend is used. You're either put to sleep for the procedure or the lower half of your body is numbed while it's carried out.

Preparation

You'll be sent instructions to follow before your appointment. This will include advice about eating, drinking, and what to do about any medicines you're taking.

You'll usually need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before a rigid cystoscopy. You'll also need to arrange for someone to give you a lift home, as you won't be able to drive for 24 hours.

You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure.

You may be asked to pee into a container so it can be checked for an infection. The procedure may be delayed if a urine infection is found.

The procedure

For a rigid cystoscopy:

• you lie down on a special couch with your legs in supports
• your genitals are cleaned with an antiseptic and a sheet is placed over the surrounding area
• you're given an injection of general anaesthetic (which makes you fall asleep) into your hand, or a spinal anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of your body) into your lower back
• the cystoscope is inserted into your urethra and gently moved down towards your bladder
• water may be pumped into your bladder so your doctor or nurse can see inside it more clearly

The procedure can last up to 15-30 minutes.

Does it hurt?

You may have a short, sharp pain as the injection of anaesthetic is given, but you won't have any pain or discomfort during the procedure because you'll be asleep or your lower half will be numbed.

Afterwards

When the procedure is finished, you'll be taken to a room or ward to recover from the anaesthetic.

Sometimes you may have a thin tube called a catheter placed into your bladder to help you pee. This will be taken out before you go home.

Your doctor or nurse may be able to discuss the results of the cystoscopy shortly afterwards. But if a small tissue sample was removed for testing (biopsy), you may not get the results for 2 or 3 weeks.

You can usually go home once the anaesthetic has worn off and you're able to empty your bladder.

Read about recovering from a cystoscopy for more information.

You should be able to get back to normal quite quickly after a cystoscopy.

How long it takes to recover depends if you had a flexible cystoscopy (using local anaesthetic gel) or a rigid cystoscopy (under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic).

Going home

After a flexible cystoscopy

You'll be able to go home shortly after a flexible cystoscopy, once you've emptied your bladder.

There's usually no need to wait in the hospital until the anaesthetic has completely worn off.

After a rigid cystoscopy

If you have a rigid cystoscopy, you'll probably need to stay in hospital for a few hours until the anaesthetic starts to wear off.

You can go home once you're feeling better and you've emptied your bladder. Most people leave hospital the same day, but sometimes an overnight stay might be needed.

You'll need to arrange for someone to take you home as you won't be able to drive for at least 24 hours.

Getting back to normal

After a flexible cystoscopy

You can return to your normal activities – including work, exercise and having sex – as soon as you feel able to after a flexible cystoscopy.

This will often be later the same day or possibly the day after.

After a rigid cystoscopy

After a rigid cystoscopy:

• rest at home for a day or two – you may need to take a couple of days off work
• make sure someone stays with you for the first 24 hours
• don't drive or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours

You can usually return to your normal activities – including work, exercise and having sex – when you feel able to.

After effects of a cystoscopy

After a cystoscopy, it's normal to have:

• a burning or stinging sensation when peeing
• some blood in your pee, which may turn it slightly pink
• a need to pee more often than usual

These side effects should pass after a day or two.

Drinking plenty of water during the first few days can help. You can also take painkillers such as paracetamol to reduce any discomfort.

When to get medical advice

Contact your GP for advice if:

• the pain or bleeding lasts more than a few days
• peeing is very painful
• your pee becomes so bloody that you can't see through it
• you see red lumps (blood clots) in your pee
• you can't empty your bladder
• your pee smells bad
• you get a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• you feel sick or vomit
• you have pain in your lower back or side

Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department if you feel really unwell.

These problems could be caused by complications of a cystoscopy, such as an infection.

A cystoscopy is usually a very safe procedure and serious complications are rare.

Speak to your doctor or nurse about the possible risks of the procedure before having it.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common complications of a cystoscopy. These are infections of the bladder, kidneys, or small tubes connected to them.

Symptoms of a UTI can include:

• a burning sensation when peeing that lasts longer than 2 days
• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• pee that smells bad
• feeling sick and vomiting 
• pain in your lower back or side

Contact your GP if you have symptoms of a UTI. You may need to take antibiotics.

Being unable to empty your bladder

Some people find it difficult to pee after having a cystoscopy.

You'll normally be asked to empty your bladder before leaving hospital to make sure you're able to, but sometimes it can become difficult to pee after going home.

This can be a sign that your urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body) or your prostate (a small gland found in men) is swollen.

Contact your GP for advice if you're unable to empty your bladder after a cystoscopy. A thin tube called a catheter may need to be temporarily placed in your bladder to help you pee.

Bleeding and bladder damage

It's normal to have some blood in your pee for a few days after a cystoscopy. But in rare cases it can be a sign that your bladder has been damaged.

Contact your GP if you have lots of blood in your pee – for example, you can't see through your pee – or the bleeding doesn't stop within a few days.

You may need to have a temporary catheter or surgery to repair any damage to your bladder.