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Seniors - Cystoscopy Procedure (Male)
My Experience With Flexible Cystoscopy - B.B. Male Age: 55
I imagine there are a variety of reasons for a cystoscopy to be performed. Mine was blood in the urine.
A week before the procedure you must stop taking blood thinners - aspirin, vitamins, herbs, and any other substance that can cause significant thinning of the blood. Always consult with your primary physician before stopping prescribed blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, and others.
The procedure begins with the nurse having you remove your pants and underwear. You then lie on your back on an examining table and place your legs on raised curved "stirups" that hold your legs apart.
The nurse then washes your gentital area with iodine cleaner(?) then injects a numbing gel such as Lidocaine into your penis. This did not cause any significant pain.
After the numbing gel has been inserted, sheets are placed on your legs, the equipment is readied, and you wait for the doctor to arrive.
The doctor will insert sterile liquid into your the bladder along with the cystoscope. The cystoscope and injection of liquid cause a feeling of having to urinate combined with a burning sensation that is uncomfortable, but not unbearable. As long as no problem is found the actual procedure might last only a few minutes - at least that was my experience. If something suspicious is found the doctor will likely biopsy it or cauterize it.
After the procedure urinating was painful but improved as the day progressed. A 325 mg Tylenol was the only pain medication I took and that seemed to help.
Although having a cystoscopy isn't pleasant, it's most certainly preferable to suffering the consquences of an undiagnosed disease.