Is cystoscopy a painful procedure?
People often worry that a cystoscopy will be painful, but it does not usually hurt. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel any pain during it. It can be a bit uncomfortable and you may feel like you need to pee during the procedure, but this will only last a few minutes.
How long does urethral dilation procedure take?
The procedure usually takes only 5-10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, your bladder is drained again for your comfort. You may return to normal activities right away.
What type of doctor performs a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy are common procedures performed by a urologist to look inside the urinary tract. Cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a cystoscope to look inside the urethra and bladder.
Will a cystoscopy stretch out my urethra?
The urethra may be widened (dilated) during cystoscopy by inserting a thin instrument to stretch the urethra while you are under local anesthesia. If this method is not possible or successful, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure in which the diseased part of the urethra will be removed and replaces it with tissue from the body.
What causes urethra spasms?
The glands around the urethra may be inflamed by infection or injury. Sex; use of a diaphragm, tampon, or pessary; or a long bike ride could injure the area. Some other possible causes are spasms of the muscles around the urethra, nerve problems caused by a herpes infection, or a disease such as diabetes.
What is the function of urethra opening?
The urethra is lined by a layer of cells called the epithelium. Glands within the urethra produce mucus . This mucus helps protect the epithelium against damage from corrosive urine . The female urethra is significantly shorter than the male urethra. This means that females often have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Is the urethra and the vagina connected?
Normally, the urethra and vagina are separate in females. In rare cases a birth defect causes the urethra and vagina to become one. This is known as urogenital sinus.