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By Mayo Clinic staffCystoscopy carries a risk of complications, including:
- Infection. Cystoscopy can introduce germs into your urinary tract, which can cause infection. Cystoscopy may also irritate an existing urinary tract infection, worsening it. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to take before and after your cystoscopy to prevent infection.
- Bleeding. Cystoscopy usually causes some blood in your urine, but in rare cases, bleeding may be more serious.
- Pain. Cystoscopy may cause abdominal pain and a burning sensation when urinating. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and gradually decrease after the procedure.
Signs and symptoms of a complication
Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:
- Inability to urinate more than eight hours after cystoscopy
- Blood clots or bright red blood in your urine more than five hours after cystoscopy
- Fever higher than 100 F (38 C)
- Pain or burning during urination that lasts more than two days