What is urethral stricture?
The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder so it can be expelled from the body.
Usually the urethra is wide enough for urine to flow freely through it. When the urethra narrows, it can restrict urinary flow. This is known as a urethral stricture.
Urethral stricture is a medical condition that mainly affects men.
What are the causes of urethral stricture?
Urethral stricture involves constriction of the urethra. This is usually due to tissue inflammation or the presence of scar tissue. Scar tissue can be a result of many factors. Young boys who have hypospadias surgery (a procedure to correct an underdeveloped urethra) and men who have penile implants have a higher chance of developing urethral stricture.
A straddle injury is a common type of trauma that can lead to urethral stricture. Examples of straddle injuries include falling on a bicycle bar or getting hit in the area close to the scrotum.
Other possible causes of urethral stricture include:
• pelvic fractures
• catheter insertion
• radiation
• surgery performed on the prostate
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
Rare causes include:
• a tumor located in close proximity to the urethra
• untreated or repetitive urinary tract infections
• the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) gonorrhea or chlamydia
What are the risk factors for urethral stricture?
Some men have an elevated risk of developing urethral stricture, especially those who have:
• had one or more STIs
• had a recent catheter (a small, flexible tube inserted into the body to drain urine from the bladder) placement
• had urethritis (swelling and irritation in the urethra), possibly due to infection
• an enlarged prostate
What are the symptoms of urethral stricture?
Urethral stricture can cause numerous symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the signs of a urethral stricture include:
• weak urine flow or reduction in the volume of urine
• sudden, frequent urges to urinate
• a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination
• frequent starting and stopping urinary stream
• pain or burning during urination
• inability to control urination (incontinence)
• pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
• urethral discharge
• penile swelling and pain
• presence of blood in the semen or urine
• darkening of the urine
• inability to urinate (this is very serious and requires immediate medical attention)
How is urethral stricture diagnosed?
Doctors may use several approaches to diagnose urethral stricture.
Reviewing your symptoms and medical history
You can self-report the symptoms mentioned above. Your doctor may also ask about past illnesses and medical procedures to determine whether one or more risk factors are present.
Performing a physical examination
A simple physical examination of the penis area can help the doctor identify the presence of a urinary stricture. For instance, the doctor will be able to readily observe redness (or urethral discharge) and find out if one or more areas are hard or swollen.
Conducting tests
To make a definite diagnosis of a urethral stricture, the doctor may also decide to perform one or more of the following tests:
• measuring the rate of flow during urination
• analyzing the physical and chemical properties of urine to determine if bacteria (or blood) are present
• cystoscopy: inserting a small tube with a camera into the body to view the inside of the bladder and urethra (the most direct way to check for stricture)
• measuring the size of the urethral opening
• tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
What are the treatment methods for urethral stricture?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Nonsurgical
The primary mode of treatment is to make the urethra wider using a medical instrument called a dilator. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t have to spend the night at the hospital. A doctor will begin by passing a small wire through the urethra and into the bladder to begin to dilate it. Over time, larger dilators will gradually increase the width of the urethra.
Another nonsurgical option is permanent urinary catheter placement. This procedure is usually done in severe cases. It has risks, such as bladder irritation and urinary tract infection.
Surgery
Surgery is another option. An open urethroplasty is an option for longer, more severe strictures. This procedure involves removing affected tissue and reconstructing the urethra. Results vary based on stricture size.
Urine flow diversion
In severe cases, a complete urinary diversion procedure may be necessary. This surgery permanently reroutes the flow of urine to an opening in the abdomen. It involves using part of the intestines to help connect the ureters to the opening. Urinary diversion is usually only performed if the bladder is severely damaged or if it needs to be removed.
How can I prevent urethral stricture?
It’s not always possible to prevent urethral stricture. Since STIs are one cause, using protection during sexual contact can prevent some cases. However, injuries and other medical conditions associated with urethral stricture can’t always be avoided.
It’s important to see a doctor right away if you’re experiencing symptoms of urethral stricture. Treating the problem quickly is the best way to avoid serious complications.
What is the long-term outlook?
Many people have a good outcome after treatment for a urethral stricture. You may need future treatments as well if the stricture is the result of scar tissue.
In some cases, stricture can cause urinary retention, the inability to urinate due to complete blockage in the urethra. This is a potentially dangerous condition. You should call your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of stricture and are unable to urinate.