Risks By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Complications of cystoscopy can include: Infection. Rarely, cystoscopy can introduce germs into your urinary tract, causing an infection. Risk factors for developing a urinary tract infection after cystoscopy include advanced age, smoking and unusual anatomy in your urinary tract. Bleeding. Cystoscopy might cause some blood in your urine. Serious bleeding occurs rarely. Pain. After the procedure, you might experience abdominal pain and a burning sensation when you urinate. These symptoms are generally mild and gradually get better after the procedure. Signs and symptoms of a serious complicationCall your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience: An inability to urinate after cystoscopy Bright red blood or heavy blood clots in your urine Abdominal pain and nausea Chills A fever higher than 101.4 F (38.5 C) Pain or burning during urination that lasts more than two days Request an appointment Doctors & Departments Dec. 17, 2022 Print Show references Feldman AS, et al. Etiology and evaluation of hematuria in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020. Partin AW, et al., eds. Principles of urologic endoscopy. In: Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020. Fok CS, et al. Diagnostic cystourethroscopy for gynecologic conditions. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020. Cystoscopy & ureteroscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/cystoscopy-ureteroscopy. Accessed Nov. 2, 2020. AskMayoExpert. Cystoscopy. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Gleason JL. Cystoscopy and other urogynecologic procedures. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2013; doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2013.09.003. CystoscopyAboutDoctors & Departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20393680 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Cystoscopy