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A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the bladder using a thin camera called a cystoscope.

A cystoscope is inserted into the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body) and passed into the bladder to allow a doctor or nurse to see inside.

Small surgical instruments can also be passed down the cystoscope to treat some bladder problems at the same time.

Types of cystoscopy and how they're carried out

There are 2 types of cystoscopy:

  • flexible cystoscopy – a thin (about the width of a pencil), bendy cystoscope is used, and you stay awake while it's carried out
  • rigid cystoscopy – a slightly wider cystoscope that does not bend is used, and you're either put to sleep or the lower half of your body is numbed while it's carried out

Flexible cystoscopies tend to be done if the reason for the procedure is just to look inside your bladder. A rigid cystoscopy may be done if you need treatment for a problem in your bladder.

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

Read more about what happens during a cystoscopy.

Why cystoscopies are used

A cystoscopy can be used to look for and treat problems in the bladder or urethra.

For example, it can be used to:

Does a cystoscopy hurt?

A cystoscopy can be a bit uncomfortable, but it's not usually painful.

For a flexible cystoscopy, local anaesthetic gel is used to numb the urethra. This will reduce any discomfort when the cystoscope is inserted.

A rigid cystoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep) or a spinal anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of your body), so you will not have any pain while it's carried out.

It's normal to have some discomfort when peeing after a cystoscopy, but this should pass in a few days.

Recovering from a cystoscopy

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

You can usually leave hospital the same day and can return to your normal activities – including work, exercise, and having sex – as soon as you feel able to.

This may be later the same day if you had a flexible cystoscopy, or a couple of days after a rigid cystoscopy.

It's normal to have discomfort when peeing and a bit of blood in your pee for a day or two.

See a GP if the discomfort is severe or does not improve in a few days, or you develop a high temperature.

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

Read more about recovering from a cystoscopy.

Risks of a cystoscopy

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

The main risks are:

  • a urinary tract infection (UTI) – which may need to be treated with antibiotics
  • being unable to pee after going home – which may mean a thin tube called a catheter needs to be temporarily inserted into your bladder so you can empty your bladder

There's also a risk your bladder could be damaged by the cystoscope, but this is rare.

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

Read more about the risks of a cystoscopy.