Cystoscopy for women: procedure and aftercare

For a woman having cystoscopy, the clinician passes a narrow camera through the urethra into the bladder to inspect its lining and openings. The urethral opening is above the vaginal opening, and the scope does not pass through the vagina. Flexible cystoscopy is often performed with local anaesthetic gel, while rigid cystoscopy and procedures involving biopsy or treatment may use sedation or general anaesthesia.

You will usually lie on your back with your legs supported or knees apart so the clinician can reach the urethra. A drape covers areas not being examined, and a chaperone may be present according to local practice and your preferences. Anaesthetic gel can reduce urethral discomfort. Sterile fluid expands the bladder for a clear view, which may create pressure or an urge to urinate. Tell the clinician if pain is sharp or difficult to tolerate.

Follow instructions about food, drink, and medicines because these differ with the anaesthetic. Mention urinary burning, fever, current menstruation, pregnancy possibility, allergies, pelvic pain, previous difficult examinations, or past genital trauma so care can be adapted. After a simple flexible examination, fluids may help dilute the urine if your clinician has not restricted them. Use recommended pain relief and observe whether burning or blood-staining is settling.

Call the care team for fever, chills, worsening pelvic or side pain, increasing urinary burning, heavy bleeding, clots, vomiting, or inability to urinate. Rapid deterioration or feeling severely unwell requires emergency assessment. Light blood-staining can occur after the scope, but menstruation can make its source less clear; persistent or increasing bleeding should still be discussed with a clinician. Follow any extra precautions given after biopsy or treatment.

You can ask who will be in the room, whether a chaperone is available, which anaesthetic is offered, and how the team will protect privacy. Discuss whether menstruation changes the appointment, whether pelvic conditions could affect positioning, and when sexual activity or exercise can resume. Also confirm whether results are immediate or depend on laboratory analysis of a sample.