As we mentioned in previous articles during the last stage of the menstrual cycle normally a layer of endometriosis lining in the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood but instead some of the endometriosis tissues grow somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. Endometriosis also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. In this article, we will discuss what is diagnostic cystoscopy in endometriosis ?

I. Definition

Cystoscopy is usually carried out with order from your doctor, if he or she suspects that there may be some endometrial cysts attached to your bladder wall. Diagnostic cystoscopy is defined as a examination of the urinary bladder via the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The cystoscope is as thick as a pencil with a light at the tip and lenses like a telescope or microscope that can help the doctor to see the image from the tip at the screen at the other end.

II. Types of cystoscopy

a) Flexible cystoscopy

Generally, it is performed under local anesthesia. Flexible cystoscope is a thin, flexible, fibre-optic telescope. It allows your doctor to examine the bladder wall very closely for unusual growths

b) Rigid cystoscopy

A rigid cystoscope is a thin, solid, straight telescope. It allows a greater variety of devices to pass down side channels for better views at the abdominal organs. Generally, it is performed under general anesthesia.

III Exam

Normally, before testing you are asked avoid urinating for an hour before this part of the test and to take a urine sample to check for infection. In general, you are able to eat normally and return to normal activities after the test.

A doctor, nurse or technician will clean the area around the urethral opening and apply a local or general anesthetic. The doctor will insert the tip of the cystoscope into the urethra and slowly guide it up into the bladder. The procedure may be painful. You are also asked to relax the pelvic muscles to make the insertion easier then a sterile liquid will flow through the cystoscope slowly to fill the bladder and stretch it so that the doctor has a better view of the bladder wall.

After the test, you may fell some burning sensation when you urinate and often see small amounts of blood in their urine.