Urinary troubles may be physically and emotionally painful, usually interfering with one’s daily routine. Among the unknown yet significant conditions is urethral stricturea urethra narrowing that interferes with the urination process. While it may start with subtle symptoms, if not treated, it can cause critical issues like infection, damage to the kidneys, and total loss of urination.
Let’s see what urethral stricture is, why it occurs, and how contemporary medicine is enhancing treatment results.
What Is a Urethral Stricture?
A urethral stricture is when scarring or inflammation narrows or blocks the urethra. The urethra is a thin tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. In males, the urethra is longer and thus more susceptible to developing urethral strictures than in females. The impaired urine flow resulting from this condition may render urination painful and ineffective, usually resulting in the accumulation of pressure within the bladder or kidneys.
Common Causes
Urethral strictures may be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Physical Trauma: Injuries, pelvic fractures, or falls involving the pelvic area.
Medical Instruments: Multiple catheterizations, endoscopic interventions, or surgical procedures on the urinary tract.
Infections: Sexually transmitted diseases (particularly gonorrhea or chlamydia) and untreated UTIs.
Post-Surgical Scarring: Following prostate or urethral surgeries.
Radiation Therapy: Especially in prostate or pelvic cancer patients.
Chronic Inflammation: Autoimmune conditions or balanitis xerotica obliterans type conditions
Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of urethral stricture are initially subtle but tend to progress with time. They include:
1. Weak or slow flow of urine
2. Straining during urination
3. Pain while urinating
4. Incomplete emptying of the bladder
5. Dribbling at the end of micturition
6. Frequent urinary tract infections
7. Blood in urine (rare but possible)
Others might also form bladder stones or kidney injury if the condition is left untreated for long enough.
How Is It Diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and symptom assessment. Diagnostic tests may involve:
1. Urinalysis to check for infection or blood
2. Ultrasound to quantify post-void residual urine
3. Cystoscopy, using a thin scope to directly examine the urethra
4. A urethrogram is
