Care after a cystoscopy

Follow the discharge instructions because recovery differs if tissue was sampled, a treatment was performed, or sedation or general anaesthesia was used.

The cystoscope passes through the urethra into the bladder, so temporary irritation can create stinging, urgency, or more frequent trips to the toilet. Urine may look lightly pink after the procedure, particularly when a biopsy was taken. These changes should settle rather than intensify.

Sedation or anaesthesia can leave you sleepy, unsteady, or mildly nauseated. The responsible adult accompanying you should follow the unit's instructions about supervision, transport, meals, and medicines.

Drink water regularly unless your clinician has limited fluids for another condition. Empty your bladder when you feel the need, rest if tired, and use only the pain relief recommended on discharge. A warm bath or warm compress may ease mild urethral discomfort if your team permits it.

Resume food and gentle activity according to your discharge plan. If you received sedation or anaesthesia, avoid driving, alcohol, important decisions, and operating machinery for the period specified by the unit. After a biopsy or treatment, check when exercise, lifting, work, and sexual activity can restart.

Call the clinic promptly if burning or bleeding is getting worse instead of easing, you develop fever or chills, urine becomes cloudy or foul-smelling, pain is increasing, or you pass blood clots. These features can signal infection, significant bleeding, or another problem requiring assessment.

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine despite a painful or increasingly full bladder, bleeding is heavy, you faint, or you become severely unwell. Keep the procedure unit's contact details available and do not wait for a routine results appointment when these signs occur.

Confirm whether a biopsy, stent placement, or treatment was performed and whether that changes your recovery instructions. Ask what amount of blood is expected, which pain medicine is suitable, and which telephone number to use outside clinic hours.

Find out when and how results will be shared, whether another appointment is already arranged, and whether any usual medicines should be paused or restarted. If a catheter was left in place, request clear instructions for drainage, cleaning, removal, and troubleshooting.