Urethral stricture

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Narrowing of the lumen of the urethra.

3D medical animation urethral stent
3D medical animation urethral stent

Causes of urethral stricture[edit | edit source]

Other factors[edit | edit source]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

  • Blood in the semen
  • Discharge from the urethra
  • Bloody or dark urine
  • Strong urge to urinate and frequent urination
  • Inability to empty bladder (urinary retention)
  • Painful urination or difficulty urinating
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
  • Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area
  • Slow urine stream (may develop suddenly or gradually) or spraying of urine
  • Swelling of the penis
Anatomical chart of the genitourinary system
Anatomical chart of the genitourinary system

Physical examination[edit | edit source]

  • A physical exam may show the following:
  • Decreased urinary stream
  • Discharge from the urethra
  • Enlarged bladder
  • Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin
  • Enlarged or tender prostate
  • Hardness on the under surface of the penis
  • Redness or swelling of the penis
  • Sometimes, the exam reveals no abnormalities.

Investigations[edit | edit source]

  • Cystoscopy
  • Postvoid residual (PVR) volume
  • Retrograde urethrogram
  • Tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
  • Urinalysis
  • Urinary flow rate
  • Urine culture

Treatment[edit | edit source]

  • The urethra may be dilated during cystoscopy.
  • An open urethroplasty may be done for longer strictures.
  • If no other treatments work, a urinary diversion called an appendicovesicostomy (Mitrofanoff procedure) or another type of surgery may be done. This lets you drain your bladder through the wall of the abdomen using a catheter or a stoma bag.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

  • The outcome is often excellent with treatment.
  • Urethral stricture may totally block urine flow.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

  • Practicing safer sex may decrease the risk of getting STIs and urethral stricture.
  • Treating urethral stricture quickly may prevent kidney or bladder complications.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T