Flexible Cystoscopy (Female)

A flexible cystoscopy female is a safe and effective way of examining the inside of a woman’s bladder. It is a commonly performed minimally-invasive procedure.

Your urologist inserts a flexible telescope, with a light and a digital camera, through your urethra and into your bladder. The camera sends images to a monitor allowing your consultant to see the inside of your bladder. Water may be pumped into your bladder so your doctor can see inside more clearly. You will not have any cuts or scars after your flexible cystoscopy.

If your doctor finds a small polyp or bladder stone, they may remove it through the flexible cystoscope. During a flexible cystoscopy, your doctor may take a tissue sample for further examination, called a biopsy.

You might be referred as a cystoscopy female to look inside and find out if there is a problem with your bladder or urinary tract, to take a sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory, or to carry out a treatment.

A woman might have a cystoscopy to investigate if she has blood in her urine, problems peeing, long-lasting pelvic pain, repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or an irritable bladder.

Bladder and urinary tract problems a cystoscopy female may detect include:

• Polyps
• Bladder stones - can lead to infection, inflammation, bleeding and blockages in your urinary tract
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – may cause scarring and damage
• Bladder cancer
• Urinary tract abnormalities - may be present at birth and could lead to a backflow of urine or kidney problems
• Urinary tract injuries

There may also be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a cystoscopy.

A flexible cystoscopy usually takes between five and 30 minutes.

Yes, a flexible cystoscopy can detect cancer. If abnormal tissue is found in your bladder lining your doctor can take samples of it (biopsies) to check for cancer cells. A cystoscopy is the most important test for diagnosing bladder cancer.

The cost of a flexible cystoscopy female will depend on your Ramsay hospital of choice, whether biopsies are taken and if treatment, such as a polyp or bladder stone removal, is performed at the same time.

You will receive a formal quotation price after your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your flexible cystoscopy will be valid for 60 days.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Flexible cystoscopy female is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise that you check with and obtain written confirmation from your insurance provider prior to having this procedure.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care – a one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

After a flexible cystoscopy female, you will be given a pad to wear to protect your clothing and underwear. Our healthcare team will monitor and support you afterwards.

Once you have passed urine after your cystoscopy, you can go home. You can return to your normal activities including work, exercise and sex later the same day or as soon as you feel able to. You can expect to have some discomfort when peeing and for there to be blood in your urine for a day or two.

Our expert team will let you know what the doctor found during their investigation and offer you individual advice for your aftercare. They will also let you know the results of any biopsies and arrange follow-up appointments if any treatment is needed.