Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra. Your urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis and out the urethral meatus (the opening at the tip of the penis) during urination.
Many men with a stricture will have increasing discomfort with urinating and a slowing of the urinary stream. This can develop gradually and lead to pushing or straining to get urine out. In others, the problem will show up suddenly and without prior difficulty, requiring immediate care.
The most common causes appear to be chronic inflammation or injury. Scar tissue can gradually form from:
The scar tissue causes the urethra to become narrow, making it more difficult for urine to flow. Sometimes, the inflammation or injury to the urethra happens long before the stricture becomes noticeable. In other cases, the stricture happens soon after a urethral injury.
Common urethral stricture symptoms include weak urine flow, straining, discomfort while urinating, or difficulty passing urine. Persistent symptoms should be checked by a urologist.
A urethral stricture may develop after injury, inflammation, infection, catheter placement, or procedures involving the urethra. Scar tissue can narrow the passage and make urination difficult.
Yes. Some patients with a urethral stricture may suddenly have severe difficulty passing urine. If this happens, prompt urology evaluation is important.
No. Treatment depends on the length, location, severity, symptoms, and previous treatment of the urethral stricture. A urologist can recommend the most suitable treatment after evaluation.
Patients can consult Dr. Prakash Sankapal at NewEra Hospitals, Vashi or JP Kidney Care, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. Check the hospital locations or contact page for appointment details.