How to Manage Painful Erections
Painful erections are usually more than a mild inconvenience. Learn what to do once it happens, including how the right treatment can help.
Painful urination, overactive bladder, and blood in the urine are all common men’s health issues that need diagnosis and treatment. A common way to investigate issues with the bladder and urethra is via cystoscopy. Urologist and men’s health specialist Mike Hsieh, MD, regularly uses a cystoscope to investigate bladder symptoms and diseases.
A cystoscopy allows for a thorough examination of the lining of your bladder and urethra. The cystoscope consists of a small camera attached to a narrow tube. Dr. Hsieh inserts the tube into your urethra and slowly advances it toward your bladder. The type of cystoscope used depends on the reason for your cystoscopy.
As the name implies, this procedure uses a tube that doesn’t bend. A rigid cystoscope is the choice when Dr. Hsieh needs to pass instruments through the scope to take a biopsy or perform a treatment.
Using a bendable tube, Dr. Hsieh passes a flexible cystoscope through your urethra to diagnose certain conditions when the need for additional work is unlikely.
Typically, both types of cystoscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic or twilight sedation. You won’t feel discomfort or pain during the examination.
Local anesthetics allow you to go on with your day following the procedure. If you’re sedated, you must arrange for a driver to take you home as the sedation wears off over the next few hours.
It’s common after your procedure to experience some light bleeding or a burning sensation when you urinate. You may experience more frequent urination for a day or two following cystoscopy. Drinking plenty of water can help to speed your recovery. Any discomfort can usually be handled with over-the-counter pain medications.
You may need a cystoscopy to diagnose, monitor, or treat an issue that affects your bladder and/or urethra.
This type of cystoscopy looks for reasons why you’re experiencing symptoms like:
Sometimes, Dr. Hsieh may use a cystoscope to find reasons for recurrent urinary tract infections.
When there are signs you might have a condition like bladder stones, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder cancer, or an enlarged prostate, Dr. Hsieh may recommend a diagnostic cystoscopy to confirm a diagnosis.
Bladder stones and small tumors can be handled with special tools through a rigid cystoscope. There’s no need for surgical incisions when cystoscopy is possible.
Dr. Hsieh may discuss the results of your cystoscopy immediately after the procedure or in a follow-up appointment. If you had a biopsy, though, your results aren’t available until Dr. Hsieh receives the lab results.
Call Dr. Hsieh’s office if you have a urological concern or other men’s health issues. The appointment line can be reached at 858-216-2771. Many conditions and diseases benefit from early discovery, so check in as soon as you suspect an unwelcome change. We’re standing by, ready to help, so book your visit now.
