Male Cystoscopy Experience

[Davits]

After passing a stone in my urine I was scheduled to have a cystoscopy to check the inside of my bladder. I’d read countless reviews and became more and more concerned after reading some of the horror stories online. It seems that people are quick to jump on forums when the experience is bad, but less keen to share a positive experience and that is what I would like to do now. After sitting in the waiting room with ladies and gents for 5 minutes I was taken into a side room and asked about my health history and what meds I was using and given a wrist tag with my details on before returning to the waiting room for another 5 minute wait. I then went through to see the consultant (a man) who asked in detail about my symptoms and what meds I was taking. We then went through to the procedure room and was met by 2 female nurses who invited me to remove my trousers and underpants behind a curtain. I was given a large white linen cloth to wrap around protect my modesty as I walked to the table and laid down flat on the table. The cloth was removed and the consultant held my penis and wiped my glans with an antiseptic wipe and squirted anaesthetic gel down my penis. Contrary to what others have said this wasn’t a horrendous experience. It felt cold and slightly weird but wasn’t at all painful. In seconds the scope had been inserted into my penis and I looked up at the TV screen to see the scope entering my bladder. Again, contrary to what others said, it wasn’t at all painful, even passing through the prostate. I was amazed, as I hadn’t felt the scope enter. The only minor discomfort was when the scope was twisted, but again, it definately couldn’t be described as painful. The consultant probably spent a minute in my bladder and found 4 stones grouped together. If you’ve seen any of the Jurassic Park films, it reminded me of dinosaur eggs grouped together on a nest. The consultant commented that my prostate was slightly enlarged as the floor of my bladder was slightly domed. This had probably contributed to the stone formation. The scope was withdrawn and the cloth pulled back down to protect my modesty. The whole process took about 2 minutes, but certainly no more. My main concern before having the procedure was pain and the possibility that I may have an errection during the process but I’m glad to report neither of these materialised. If I had to do this again, I wouldn’t be at all worried and you shouldn’t be either. I have to wait for an operation (lithotripsy) to remove the stones and may also have a TURP (I’m undecided on that as I don’t have urination problems and I’m worried about side effects) The consultant prescribed Combodart (dustasteride & tamsulosin) to shrink the prostate and I’m worried about that too as some users have side effects even after stopping. If any body has feedback regarding your experience with this drug I’d really appreciate it. Good, or bad. Thanks for reading

[del1d]

Had the same procedure but luckily no stones.

[Hidden]

I had this procedure too. Unfortunately I did find it quite painful to be honest - especially going through the prostate. Very glad that you had a good experience. I think it depends on the skill of the urologist and the width of your urethra. I agree that it was a bit embarrassing with female nurses present but thankfully over quite quickly. Good luck for the next stage.

[Davits in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Thank-you for your reply to my post, and the kind regards for the next stage of my adventure! I really appreciate you taking the time. Sorry it took a while to get back to you. It is en embarrassing experience, but I just think about what ladies have to go through on a regular basis. Us guys can get a bit paranoid about things to do with “our bits” Sorry to hear you had a bit of pain. Good luck with your journey

[JohnNicola]

I have had several cystoscopies for various urinary problems. Just one was a nightmare experience as the hospital had apparently had a problem with the sterilization equipment and at least myself and another guy I know of got prostate infections as a result (oh, such pain!). Nevertheless, my experiences have been good otherwise. My most recent one about a month ago was performed in the lithotomy position (flat on back, legs elevated over stirrups) and was completely pain free. The only uncomfortable part is always the DRE (digital rectal exam) on the prostate to determine size and texture. Thank you for sharing your story. Oh, and my choice would be the green laser, if I had to make a choice, based on my research.

[Davits in reply to JohnNicola]

Hi

Thank-you for your reply to my post. I really appreciate you taking the time. Sorry it took a while to get back to you. It sounds like you had a horrendous experience! I did ask the nurse about passing on STDs between patients but was assured the kit was fully sterilised! Unusual to be examined in stirrups. That would have freaked me out! Let’s hope that’s a Canadian preference, and they don’t do that in the UK (we probably can’t afford stirrups Having DRE in the lithomy position would be super embarrassing. Do you have experience of any BPH meds’ or surgery? Thanks for the advice regarding green laser. I’d like Urolift but not sure is NHS do that in my area. Good luck for the future

[JohnNicola in reply to Davits]

Actually Davits, the cystoscopy experience itself was acceptable. It was the infection later that was tough. Ten days off work and pain like I have never experienced before. All caused because of a malfunctioning sterilisation machine. Not that the other guy and I had the same equipment - there were probably others as well that day who also got improperly sterilised equipment! The more recent cystoscopy was much more comfortable except for the fact that I was unable to empty my bladder before the exam so you can guess the rest. Embarrassing to me but the Dr took it all in stride, and the DRE was more comfortable in the lithotomy position. Let's face it, being exposed like this is something we men have to accept - there is simply no way around it.

[Davits]

Hi

Thank-you for your reply to my post. I really appreciate you taking the time. Sorry it took a while to get back to you. Do you have experience of any BPH meds’ or surgery? Thanks for the advice. I’d like Urolift but not sure is NHS do that in my area