Penile cystoscopy

A clinician passes a cystoscope through the opening of the penis into the urethra and bladder. Local anaesthetic gel may be used, while some procedures use sedation or another anaesthetic. Sterile fluid can fill the bladder so its lining is easier to inspect. The clinician looks for narrowing, inflammation, bleeding, stones, growths or another explanation for symptoms. A small tissue sample may be taken if an area needs laboratory examination.

Cystoscopy is not the same as a scan. It gives a direct view of the urinary passage and bladder lining. It may be used when there is blood in the urine, repeated urinary symptoms, difficulty passing urine or a concern requiring further evaluation, including possible [Bladder Cancer](/conditions/bladder-cancer/).

Follow the clinic's instructions about medicines, food, fluids and transport, especially if sedation is planned. Tell the team about blood thinners, allergies, urinary infections and difficulty urinating. Afterward, mild burning or a small amount of blood can occur briefly. Drink fluids if your clinician says this is suitable, and follow the specific instructions you receive. Ask when results or biopsy findings will be discussed.

Contact the clinic promptly for fever, chills, worsening pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, increasing bleeding or difficulty passing urine after the procedure. Seek urgent care for inability to urinate, severe lower-abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or signs of a serious infection.

Ask why cystoscopy is recommended, whether you will be awake, how to manage your regular medicines, whether a biopsy could be taken, and when to expect the result. Ask which symptoms after the test should trigger a same-day call.