A cystoscopy

is a test that allows the physician to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope. Through the cystoscope, the physician can see areas of the bladder and urethra that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Tiny surgical instruments can be inserted through the cystoscope that allow the physician to remove samples of tissue or samples of urine.

Some reasons your doctor may order a cystoscopy:
•Blood in the urine
•painful urination
•urinary incontinence
•urinary frequency
•inability to pass urine
•a sudden and overwhelming need to urinate