I'm Nervous About My Cystoscopy: What Can I Expect?

If you have an upcoming cystoscopy that you’re feeling nervous about, we can help settle your nerves. This diagnostic procedure allows your provider to examine your bladder, leading to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of your urinary or bladder condition.

Board-certified urologist Philip Weintraub, MD, and our team at Urology Associates Medical Group in Burbank, California, work hard to ensure your cystoscopy is as comfortable and smooth as possible.

We’ve put together this helpful guide to answer questions you might have about what to expect with a cystoscopy.

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a simple procedure that allows us to examine your bladder and urethra from the inside. This involves inserting a small tube, called a cystoscope, in your urethra up to your bladder, following the pathway that urine takes leaving the body.

The tube has a miniature camera and light at the end. This allows us to see the inside of your urethra and bladder clearly.

Doctors typically perform cystoscopies on an outpatient basis under sedation in the office or in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Why do I need a cystoscopy?

There are many different reasons you might need a cystoscopy. The procedure looks for abnormalities that cause a variety of conditions that you might be experiencing, including:

Unexplained pelvic pain
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Prostate cancer
Issues with the bladder (like chronic bladder infections)
Issues with the urethra (like burning during urination)

Cystoscopy can also help us investigate and diagnose the root cause of symptoms like painful urination, blood in your urine, and frequent urination.

At Urology Associates Medical Group, we thoroughly review your medical history and symptoms to determine if you need a diagnostic cystoscopy.

What happens during the procedure?

We ask you to empty your bladder before the procedure starts. You might have to provide a urine sample.

You then rest on the exam table and put your feet in stirrups. We administer anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Once you’re resting, we insert the cystoscope to check for abnormalities.

Some patients may need their bladder filled with a sterile fluid. This makes it easier to conduct the internal examination, and Dr. Weintraub will let you know if you require this before the procedure.

Tissue samples are sometimes collected during a cystoscopy for biopsy. Depending on whether you require general or local anesthesia, your procedure takes 30 minutes or less.

Is there a recovery period?

After your procedure, you can go home, but you’ll need to take it easy for the rest of the day. We give you a list of instructions to ensure you recover quickly and safely.

Your urethra may be sore for up to two days after the cystoscopy, and you may see some blood in your urine. This should go away after 12-24 hours, but contact us if it persists or your urine is bright red.

If you have more questions about your upcoming cystoscopy, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment by calling our Burbank, California, office today.