Also called cystoscopy for short, cystourethrosocopy for females is a test performed by introducing a cystoscope or a special lubricated tube with a camera to allow the doctor to look inside a woman's bladder. In other words, it is an endoscopy of the urinary bladder through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder. A gel is used to make the urethra numb and avoid any discomfort to the patient, and the entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Cystourethroscopy for a female is advised when problems of urinary incontinence are faced. The doctor examining the patient might ask her to cough to see if the urine leaks out from the urethra. During the cystourethroscopy for females, the doctor may also fill the bladder with water as it allows him/her to see the wall of the bladder more clearly. The wall of the bladder should appear smooth, and the bladder should be normal in shape and size. The doctor checks the position of the bladder and for the presence of any obstructions/growths or stones. The procedure usually takes five to twenty minutes.
In cases where during the cystourethroscopy of female bladder, the doctor finds a tumor, he/she may take a sample of the tumor and send it to the lab to rule out cancer. If the tumor is small, the tumor may be taken out during the cystoscopy. Slight bleeding or burning sensation during urination and some blood in the urine for a day or two after the procedure is common in such cases. In the case of kidney stones that get stuck in the ureter causing severe pain and block urination, the stones may be removed during the cystoscopy.
Performing a cystourethroscopy for a female with a flexible cystoscope does not require the patient to lie on her back with her knees apart. A urologist may order a cystourethroscopy for a female if the woman has repeated and persistent infection of the urinary tract and bleeding while urinating.
If you have undergone cystourethroscopy for a female, post procedure you may experience bladder spasms and feel the urge to urinate more often in the first two days after the procedure. However, if the blood in the urine continues or you develop a fever, consult your urologist immediately as there is a likelihood of urinary tract infections. For the most part, cystoscopy is a fairly easy and non-painful procedure that can be performed in a short time and patients can resume their normal lives by the next day.