Urethral Stricture: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of urethral stricture?

Urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urethra, can cause various symptoms, including:

• Difficulty Urinating: A reduced urine stream or difficulty starting urination.
• Painful Urination: Pain or discomfort during urination.
• Frequent Urination: An increased need to urinate, often with a sense of urgency.
• Incontinence: Unintentional leakage of urine.
• Incomplete Bladder Emptying: A feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied after urination.
• Urinary Retention: Difficulty completely voiding the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine.
• Straining: Needing to strain or push during urination.
• Blood in Urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, which may be visible or only detectable through testing.
• Weak Urine Stream: A stream that is weaker than normal or that dribbles towards the end of urination.
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections due to urine stagnation or incomplete bladder emptying.

If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to seek medical evaluation for appropriate diagnosis and management.

What are the causes of urethral stricture?

Urethral stricture can arise from various causes, including:

• Injury or Trauma: Damage to the urethra from accidents or surgeries, such as pelvic fractures or catheter insertions.
• Infections: Chronic or severe infections, like sexually transmitted infections (e.g., gonorrhea) or urinary tract infections, can cause scarring and narrowing of the urethra.
• Inflammation: Conditions like chronic prostatitis or urethritis can lead to inflammation and scarring.
• Urethral Surgery: Surgical procedures involving the urethra, such as those for prostate surgery or correction of congenital abnormalities, may result in scarring.
• Congenital Abnormalities: Some individuals are born with a urethra that is abnormally narrow.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra and contribute to stricture formation.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for cancers in the pelvic area can lead to scarring and stricture formation.
• Chemical Irritation: Exposure to certain chemicals or drugs that irritate the urethra may cause scarring.
• Scar Tissue Formation: Conditions such as Peyronie’s disease can lead to scar tissue that narrows the urethra.

Diagnosis and treatment typically require evaluation by a healthcare professional to address the underlying cause and manage the stricture effectively.

What is the treatment for urethral stricture?

Treatment for urethral stricture aims to relieve symptoms, restore normal urine flow, and address the underlying cause. Options include:

• Urethral Dilation: A procedure where a balloon or dilator is used to stretch and widen the narrowed area of the urethra. This can provide temporary relief but may need to be repeated.
• Urethrotomy: A surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the stricture to relieve the blockage. This can be done using endoscopic techniques.
• Urethroplasty: A surgical repair of the urethra, where the narrowed section is removed and the urethra is reconstructed. This is often used for longer or more severe strictures.
• Catheterization: In some cases, a temporary urethral catheter may be used to relieve symptoms and allow the urethra to heal.
• Treatment of Underlying Causes: Addressing any underlying conditions contributing to the stricture, such as treating infections or managing inflammation.
• Medication: In some cases, medications may be used to treat associated conditions or reduce inflammation.

Treatment choice depends on the stricture’s location, length, severity, and the patient’s overall health. It’s essential to consult with a urologist to determine the most appropriate approach for each individual case.