Urethral stricture

 

Urethral stricture

Overview

A urethral (u-REE-thrul) stricture involves scarring that narrows the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A stricture restricts the flow of urine from the bladder and can cause a variety of medical problems in the urinary tract, including inflammation or infection.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of urethral stricture include:

·         Decreased urine stream

·         Incomplete bladder emptying

·         Spraying of the urine stream

·         Difficulty, straining or pain when urinating

·         Increased urge to urinate or more-frequent urination

·         Urinary tract infection

Causes

Scar tissue, which can narrow the urethra, can be due to:

·         A medical procedure that involves inserting an instrument, such as an endoscope, into the urethra

·         Intermittent or long-term use of a tube inserted through the urethra to drain the bladder (catheter)

·         Trauma or injury to the urethra or pelvis

·         An enlarged prostate or previous surgery to remove or reduce an enlarged prostate gland

·         Cancer of the urethra or prostate

·         Sexually transmitted infections

·         Radiation therapy

Urethral stricture is much more common in males than in females. Often the cause is unknown.