bladder cystoscopy with urethral dilation - scared

How often do you get UTI's?  After I had radiation for breast cancer and started taking Anastrozole so my body won't make estrogen I started getting UTI's regularly.  I  had a Cystoscopy but not urethral dilation. I too was very nervous regarding the Cystoscopy but felt like an idiot because that was absolutely nothing.  I didn't even fell the tube go in and had no discomfort at all. I've been doing better taking Cranberry tablets and drinking a lot of water. 

l had frequency and pain for many years, with just occassional bacterial cystitus, then had a cystascope under anascsetic to find the cause, l,d a bit of discomfort after, though was nowhere near as bad as problems before having it done, got diagnosed with intersticial cystitus and given meds that improved symptoms 90percent, that was years ago, but due to a few niggles l had another cystascope recently to see if any bladder probs or changes, without anascetic bit of a worry, but it was quick easy without any embarresment,or discomfort after,   the bladder had a few flaps on bladder wall, and told my urethra a bit narrow and they could stretch it at later time.  Because my urine flow is good, as with capacity l can hold and pass l decided against the dilation for time being, as no problems with it l told urologist and he was fine about it, and told me to let him know if l do have problems later. Do they have a reason for wanting to do dilation, as l think most just have cystascope first time to see if there,s any cause for your uti,s,

Could you ask the urologist why they want to do a dilation, if theres no paricular reason they should be able to do cystascope by itself for time being if you feel more secure with that.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

Like you I had repeated uti's and was referred for a cystoscpy. Unfortunately the urologist was unable to insert the camera because my urethra was too narrow so I had to have it done under general anaesthetic. I had all your fears and questions about why it was needed in the first place. In the event it was fine with no after effects. I was told that my urethra had been dilated and that I had a slightly prolapsed bladder.

I am not sure that it has done much for me although my uti's have decreased and clear up without antibiotics.

I am also reassured that nothing sinister was going on in that area.

Thanks everyone.  I get UTI's on average 3/4 times a year.  At least I think I do however its only been this year they are being picked up due to monthly screening.  In the past I've just ignored them and would continue to know if I didnot have MS.

I've had 4 in three months since July but none since October.  I had a chemo treatment in June which is why I've probably had more

My main sympton is a painfull, swollen and tender bladder when I have a UTI.

Anyway Ive rang the hospital today and said no to the dilation but that I'm happy to have the cystoscopy under LA.  It may be my urerthral is narrow but untill thats been confirmed it seems invasive action to have it done for the sake of it, or to go under GA. I've had a bladder scan and that showed my bladder was not retaining so I struggle to understand how dilating my urethral would help.

Hi sounds like youve been in the wars, health wise, been there also and wore tshirt, l think its partly due to that and infections we become cautious of any procedures unless being certain there to help or improve problems,  Anyway good luck with the scope, all l can say is l, like most, found it quick and easy without anascetic, best wishes..