Urethral stricture refers to a narrowing of the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. This constriction can occur anywhere along the urethra, from the bladder to the tip of the penis, due to the presence of scar tissue. Although uncommon in men and rare in women, urethral strictures can lead to various symptoms and complications.
Symptoms
Initially, urethral stricture may not present any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Reduced urine flow, often accompanied by straining during urination
- Spraying of urine or double stream
- Dribbling of urine after urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Reduced force of ejaculation
- Occasionally, pain during urination
Causes
Urethral stricture can result from various factors, including:
- Injury or trauma to the urethra, such as during medical procedures, radiation therapy, or pelvic fractures
- Infections, particularly sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, or infections from long-term catheter use
- Birth defects leading to congenital strictures
- Rarely, urethral cancer
Complications
Urethral stricture can lead to complications such as:
- Increased pressure on the bladder, resulting in incomplete emptying of urine and potential urinary retention
- Urinary tract infections, bladder, prostate, or kidney infections due to residual urine pooling in the bladder
- Formation of abscesses above the stricture, causing further tissue damage
- Extremely rare cases of urethral cancer
Diagnosis
Your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history and conducting a physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Measurement of urine flow rate
- Cystoscopy, using a thin telescope to visualize the urethra
- Retrograde urethrogram, a special X-ray taken while passing urine to assess the severity and location of the stricture
Treatment Options
Treatment aims to improve urine flow, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. Options include:
- Widening of the stricture through dilation, using progressively larger rods inserted into the urethra
- Urethrotomy, a procedure involving the surgical cutting of the stricture
- Urethroplasty, corrective surgery to remove or graft tissue to repair the stricture
- Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections
Prevention
While it may not always be possible to prevent urethral strictures, some measures can reduce the risk:
- Using condoms during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
- Practicing safety precautions to avoid pelvic trauma.
In conclusion, understanding urethral stricture, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, is essential for effective management and prevention of complications.
