For men, the pain can be from non-existent to severe. The prostatic sphincter is often the area of the most discomfort/pain. Enlarge prostate (BPH-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)can make things much worse as the prostate enlarges and puts even more pressure on the urethra. Pushing a scope through that point can be pretty bad for some but for MOST it is better categorized as discomfort. Usually, once past that point, it is not painful.
If you experience pain, make sure to tell the doctor and ask about something to make it better. The numbing gel should be left in for 10 minutes before the actual procedure if it's going to do much good. Sometimes, docs will go as far as giving a valium or something just to relax you enough and to take the edge off.
Everybody is different so just because it is painful to one, doesn't mean it is to another (and vice versa).
Mike
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results....distant mets
2/2014 ct result...spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph...