Description

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body—due to scarring or inflammation. This can restrict or block urine flow and lead to various urinary symptoms or complications. Causes Infection (e.g., sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea) Trauma or injury to the pelvis or urethra Catheterization or instrumentation (like a scope or catheter insertion) Surgery involving the urethra or prostate Congenital (rare, present at birth) Symptoms Weak or slow urine stream Straining to urinate Frequent or urgent need to urinate Incomplete bladder emptying Urinary tract infections Blood in urine (hematuria) Diagnosis Uroflowmetry (measures urine flow rate) Ultrasound (to assess post-void residual urine) Cystoscopy (scope inserted into the urethra) Retrograde urethrogram (X-ray with contrast dye) Treatment Options Dilation: Gradual stretching of the stricture Urethrotomy: Endoscopic cutting of the stricture Urethroplasty: Surgical reconstruction, often the most effective for long-term results Catheterization: Temporary relief or management in some cases

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