You should be able to get back to your daily activities quite quickly after a cystoscopy.
Side effects of a cystoscopy
After a cystoscopy, it's normal to have:
- a burning or stinging sensation when you pee
- some blood in your pee, which may turn it slightly pink
- a need to pee more often than usual
These side effects should go away after a day or 2.
Drinking plenty of water during the first few days can help. You can also take painkillers such as paracetamol to reduce any discomfort.
Some problems could be caused by complications of a cystoscopy, such as an infection.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- the pain or bleeding lasts more than a few days
- peeing is very painful
- your pee becomes so bloody that you cannot see through it
- you see red lumps (blood clots) in your pee
- you cannot pee
- your pee smells bad
- you get a high temperature (fever) of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- you feel sick or vomit
- you have pain in your lower back or side
Emergency action required: Go to your nearest emergency department (ED) if:
- you feel really unwell following a cystoscopy
