Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose of Test
Limitations
Similar Examinations
Risks and Considerations
Contraindications
Before the Test
Timing
Location
What to Wear
Food and Drink
Cost and Health Insurance
What to Bring
Pre-Test
Throughout the Test
After the Test
Interpreting Results
A Word From Verywell
To ensure that your bladder isn’t torn and that there is no structural damage to it, your healthcare provider may also order this test if you report having experienced an injury to your pelvic area.Also, having problems urinating—painful urination, blood in the urine, and frequent urination—may lead your healthcare provider to suspect you have a bladder polyp or tumor and they may have you undergo a cystoscopy with or without a cystogram.
If you’re asked to urinate and additional X-rays are taken while you empty your bladder, the test is no longer just a cystogram. It’s instead referred to as a voiding cystogram (VCUG).
Note that a cystogram cannot be used to diagnose every single problem that involves your bladder. Your healthcare provider will strategically recommend the test based on the symptoms you present and your medical history.
A cystogram is very similar to acystoscopyin terms of the conditions they are used to identify and diagnose. However, they differ procedurally.
With a cystoscopy, an X-ray isn’t used to visualize the bladder. Instead, a long tube is inserted into your bladder through your urinary opening, and a small camera that’s attached to the tube (a cystoscope) shows the healthcare provider what they need to see.
Cystoscopy: Everything You Need to Know
Risks and Contraindications
There is a slight risk of developing a bladder infection after you undergo a cystography, but this is rare. All materials used should be sterile. The catheter that’s inserted into your bladder during the test may also cause bleeding and/or blood in your urine.This is not a cause for alarm—your healthcare provider will explain how long this may last, what’s normal in terms of the amount of blood, and what to do if bleeding does occur.
Because this examination involves the use of X-ray, you will be exposed to radiation. Fortunately, the level of radioactivity you will be exposed to is minimal and ideally shouldn’t have any side effects. However, to be on the safe side, if you’ve undergone medical X-rays in the past, you should tell your healthcare provider about it.
It is not advisable to undergo a cystogram if you’re pregnant, as exposure to radiation during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.You should inform your healthcare provider if there is any possibility at all that you could be pregnant.
People with sensitivities or allergies to medicines and contrast dyes may not be able to undergo this examination either. You should list all your food and drug allergies to your healthcare provider beforehand.
Your full medical history should be available to your healthcare provider. Although unlikely, there may be certain conditions or risk factors you have that would need evaluation and discussion before a cystogram is ordered. For example, if you have a current urinary tract infection, a cystogram is contraindicated.
Once your healthcare provider recommends this test, you can expect to discuss your medical background, recent illnesses, and current state of health, including any drugs or supplements you are currently taking. You should divulge any allergies you may have to shellfish, medicines, iodine, contrast dye, and/or latex to your healthcare provider.
Your practitioner will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for the test. Sometimes, but not always, the test requires not eating beforehand and only drinking liquids on the day of the test. It may also involve the use of laxatives or the need to undergo an enema.
You may be asked to sign a consent form either at the healthcare provider’s office or at the site of the examination. You should read the form very carefully and ask questions about parts you are unclear about.
The actual exam could take up to an hour. Some time is taken before the procedure to allow the radiographer to explain the procedure to you and ask you questions about your state of health and any allergies. If you haven’t already filled out the consent form at your healthcare provider’s office, you should expect to spend some time filling and signing it before the test.
A cystogram normally takes place in the radiology department of a hospital.
You can dress normally, as you’ll be given a hospital dressing gown to change into when it’s time for the test. If you’d prefer, you can bring along your own slippers.
This depends on the instructions that your healthcare provider has given you. Some practitioners may insist that you don’t eat food and only drink liquids during the day of the examination, while others may not suggest that based on your unique case.
Depending on your health insurance provider, you may need to submit a pre-authorization request. The hospital staff may be able to handle this for you, but it’s best to confirm with them and your insurance provider, too.
You should bring along a form of personal identification, your health insurance card, as well as your test order form (if you were given one). If you’re paying for the examination completely out of pocket, or are covering some of the costs, you should bring along a form of payment or find out if you can be billed at a later time.
Since a cystogram does not involve any anesthetic or sedative, you don’t have to go with a friend or family member. You will be able to drive yourself home.
The radiographer will explain the entire procedure to you. He should also address any questions or concerns you may have.
You may be required to fill out and sign a consent form giving your permission for the examination to be carried out.
You will be asked to change into the hospital dressing gown, after which you’ll be directed to the restroom to empty out your bladder.
In general, here’s what you can expect.
Note that if you’re having a voiding cystogram, when the catheter has been removed, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder while X-ray pictures are taken as you’re urinating. In this case, you may be provided a screen to give you some privacy when you’re urinating. It’s advisable to ask about that if you feel like you’d be embarrassed urinating uncovered in front of people.
There’s no downtime after this examination and you can return to your regular life immediately afterward. You may feel a slight burning sensation when you try to urinate after. This is normal and will resolve itself within 12 to 24 hours.
You should drink more water and fluids for the rest of the day to help flush out any remnants of the X-ray dye. This will also help prevent infection. If you notice any bleeding or experience a fever or trouble urinating, you should see your healthcare provider immediately.
The radiologist who performed the examination will interpret your test results and send a report back to your healthcare provider. The results and accompanying report will help your practitioner determine the cause(s) of your urinary tract infections or bladder problems. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results and its implications with you during your next follow-up appointment.
The medical steps your healthcare provider will recommend for you will depend on your results. If you’re diagnosed with urinary reflux, you will likely be prescribedantibiotics to deal with the UTIsand you may have to undergo surgery to fix the defect in the valve that normally should keep urine from flowing back.If you have a tumor or polyp that’s cancerous, more tests will be done to determine the severity and any necessary treatments.
It’s normal to feel anxious about undergoing medical examinations. The sometimes nerve-wracking uncertainty about what the results are going to be is something almost everyone has experienced at some point. Hope for the best, but if you choose to, prepare for the possibility of unfavorable results and be ready to discuss your options extensively with your healthcare provider. If you have close friends or family, it may also be helpful to talk about your fears and worries to them, as sharing could help you cope better.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Voiding cystourethrogram.The Nemours Foundation/Kidshealth.org.Voiding cystourethrogram.Freitas PFS, Coelho AQ, Bruschini H, Rovner ES, Gomes CM.Severe urinary tract damage secondary to primary bladder neck obstruction in women.Franco I, ed.PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3):e0248938. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248938National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Urodynamic testing.U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cystoscopy & Ureteroscopy.Applegate KE, Findlay Ú, Fraser L, Kinsella Y, Ainsbury L, Bouffler S.Radiation exposures in pregnancy, health effects and risks to the embryo/foetus—information to inform the medical management of the pregnant patient.J Radiol Prot. 2021;41(4):S522-S539. 10.1088/1361-6498/ac1c95Blackwell RH, Kirshenbaum EJ, Zapf MAC, et al.Incidence of adverse contrast reaction following nonintravenous urinary tract imaging.European Urology Focus. 2017;3(1):89-93. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2016.01.009The Nemours Foundation.Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR).National Cancer Institute.Screening tests to detect colorectal cancer and polyps.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Voiding cystourethrogram.The Nemours Foundation/Kidshealth.org.Voiding cystourethrogram.Freitas PFS, Coelho AQ, Bruschini H, Rovner ES, Gomes CM.Severe urinary tract damage secondary to primary bladder neck obstruction in women.Franco I, ed.PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3):e0248938. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248938National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Urodynamic testing.U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cystoscopy & Ureteroscopy.Applegate KE, Findlay Ú, Fraser L, Kinsella Y, Ainsbury L, Bouffler S.Radiation exposures in pregnancy, health effects and risks to the embryo/foetus—information to inform the medical management of the pregnant patient.J Radiol Prot. 2021;41(4):S522-S539. 10.1088/1361-6498/ac1c95Blackwell RH, Kirshenbaum EJ, Zapf MAC, et al.Incidence of adverse contrast reaction following nonintravenous urinary tract imaging.European Urology Focus. 2017;3(1):89-93. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2016.01.009The Nemours Foundation.Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR).National Cancer Institute.Screening tests to detect colorectal cancer and polyps.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Voiding cystourethrogram.The Nemours Foundation/Kidshealth.org.Voiding cystourethrogram.Freitas PFS, Coelho AQ, Bruschini H, Rovner ES, Gomes CM.Severe urinary tract damage secondary to primary bladder neck obstruction in women.Franco I, ed.PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3):e0248938. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248938National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Urodynamic testing.U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cystoscopy & Ureteroscopy.Applegate KE, Findlay Ú, Fraser L, Kinsella Y, Ainsbury L, Bouffler S.Radiation exposures in pregnancy, health effects and risks to the embryo/foetus—information to inform the medical management of the pregnant patient.J Radiol Prot. 2021;41(4):S522-S539. 10.1088/1361-6498/ac1c95Blackwell RH, Kirshenbaum EJ, Zapf MAC, et al.Incidence of adverse contrast reaction following nonintravenous urinary tract imaging.European Urology Focus. 2017;3(1):89-93. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2016.01.009The Nemours Foundation.Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR).National Cancer Institute.Screening tests to detect colorectal cancer and polyps.
MedlinePlus.Voiding cystourethrogram.
The Nemours Foundation/Kidshealth.org.Voiding cystourethrogram.
Freitas PFS, Coelho AQ, Bruschini H, Rovner ES, Gomes CM.Severe urinary tract damage secondary to primary bladder neck obstruction in women.Franco I, ed.PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3):e0248938. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248938
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Urodynamic testing.
U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cystoscopy & Ureteroscopy.
Applegate KE, Findlay Ú, Fraser L, Kinsella Y, Ainsbury L, Bouffler S.Radiation exposures in pregnancy, health effects and risks to the embryo/foetus—information to inform the medical management of the pregnant patient.J Radiol Prot. 2021;41(4):S522-S539. 10.1088/1361-6498/ac1c95
Blackwell RH, Kirshenbaum EJ, Zapf MAC, et al.Incidence of adverse contrast reaction following nonintravenous urinary tract imaging.European Urology Focus. 2017;3(1):89-93. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2016.01.009
The Nemours Foundation.Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR).
National Cancer Institute.Screening tests to detect colorectal cancer and polyps.
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