A cystoscopy is usually a very safe procedure and serious complications are rare.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about the possible risks of the procedure before having it.
Urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infections (UTI) is one of the most common complications of a cystoscopy. A UTI is an infection of the bladder, kidneys or small tubes connected to them.
Symptoms of a UTI can include:
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- smelly or cloudy pee
- pain in your lower tummy
- needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual
- blood in your pee
- feeling tired and unwell
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you have symptoms of a UTI
They may need to prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Problems emptying your bladder
Some people find it difficult to pee after having a cystoscopy.
Usually you will be asked to pee before leaving hospital to make sure you're able to. But sometimes it can become difficult to pee after going home.
This can be a sign that your urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body) or your prostate (a small gland found in men) is swollen.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you're not able to pee after a cystoscopy
A thin tube called a catheter may need to be placed in your bladder for a short time. This is to help you pee.
Bleeding and bladder damage
It's normal to have some blood in your pee for a few days after a cystoscopy. But in rare cases it can be a sign that your bladder has been damaged.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if
you have any of the following:
- lots of blood in your pee - for example, you cannot see through your pee
- bleeding that does not stop within a few days
You may need to have a temporary catheter or surgery (an operation) to repair any damage to your bladder.
