Cystoscopy: What to Expect, How to Prepare, Risks & Aftercare

Ever been told you need a cystoscopy and wondered what that actually means? A cystoscopy is a short exam where a doctor looks inside your bladder and urethra with a thin camera called a cystoscope. It’s one of the fastest ways to find causes of blood in the urine, recurrent UTIs, weird urinary symptoms, or bladder problems.

Before the test

Your clinic will tell you what to do beforehand. Common steps include giving a urine sample to check for infection and telling your doctor about blood thinners or allergies. If you’re on aspirin, warfarin, or newer anticoagulants, your provider may ask you to stop them for a short time. You may also get a prescription for antibiotics if there’s a concern about infection. If you’ll have sedation or general anesthesia, arrange a ride home.

There are two main types of cystoscopes: flexible and rigid. Flexible cystoscopes are used more often for office visits because they’re smaller and more comfortable. Rigid scopes are used for some procedures or when the doctor needs to take a biopsy or remove tissue.

During the procedure

The test usually takes 5–30 minutes. For an office cystoscopy, the doctor numbs the urethra with a local gel. You may feel pressure, burning, or the urge to pee when the scope passes, but severe pain is uncommon. In hospital settings you might get sedation or general anesthesia for a longer or more invasive exam.

The cystoscope sends live video to a screen so the doctor can inspect the lining of the bladder and urethra. If they see suspicious tissue, they might take a small biopsy or remove a tiny growth. That can add a few minutes and may require local or general anesthesia depending on the situation.

After the scope is removed, you’ll rest briefly. If you had only local numbing, you’ll likely go home the same day. If you had sedation, recovery takes longer and you’ll need someone to drive you.

Expect mild burning with urination and pink-tinged urine for 24–48 hours. Drinking water helps flush the bladder and ease discomfort. Avoid heavy lifting, baths, and sex for a day or two unless your doctor says otherwise.

Call your doctor if you develop a high fever, heavy bleeding, severe pain that won’t ease with simple painkillers, or if you can’t urinate. These are signs you may need treatment right away.

Practical tips: empty your bladder before the test, bring a list of medications, and ask whether you’ll get a biopsy or need antibiotics. Knowing what to expect makes the whole process less stressful and helps you recover faster.

Want more detailed answers about risks or biopsy results? Ask your urologist for plain-language explanations—good communication makes a big difference in how comfortable you feel before and after a cystoscopy.