Urethral Stricture

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the tube that carries urine out of the body (the urethra). This narrowing is caused by scar tissue. When the urethra is narrowed, it's harder for urine to flow freely from the bladder. This can lead to problems like urinary tract infections (UTIs) because urine can back up and stagnate, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Urethral stricture, a narrowing of the tube that carries urine out of the body, can cause several problems. Common symptoms include a weak or slow flow of urine. Sometimes, the bladder doesn't completely empty, leaving you feeling like you need to urinate again soon after. You might also experience urine spraying or difficulty and pain while urinating. Frequent urination, or feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual, are also possible symptoms. Finally, a urethral stricture can sometimes lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can cause additional symptoms like pain or burning during urination, and increased urgency to urinate.

Narrowing of the urethra, a condition called urethral stricture, is more common in men than women. Sometimes the reason isn't clear. However, several things can cause this narrowing.

This narrowing can be a result of:

• Medical procedures: Sometimes, tools like endoscopes are used inside the urethra for medical reasons. This can sometimes lead to scar tissue formation. Similarly, a catheter, a tube used to drain the bladder, can also cause scarring if used repeatedly or for a long time.

• Injury or trauma: If the urethra or the area around it (the pelvis) is injured, this can cause scarring that narrows the urethra.

• Prostate problems: An enlarged prostate gland, or surgery to treat it, can also cause scarring in the urethra. This is because the prostate is located near the urethra.

• Cancer: Cancer of the urethra or prostate can sometimes lead to scarring that narrows the urethra.

• Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can sometimes cause inflammation and scarring in the urethra.

• Radiation therapy: In some cases, radiation treatment for nearby cancers can cause scarring and narrowing of the urethra.

• Skin conditions: A skin condition called lichen sclerosus can affect the genital area. This condition can cause thin, discolored patches of skin that, in some cases, can lead to scarring in the urethra.

It's important to note that while these are common causes, sometimes the reason for urethral stricture isn't easily identified. If you have concerns about urethral narrowing, it's essential to talk to a healthcare professional.

To figure out what's wrong, a doctor or other healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and past health, and give you a physical exam. They might also use some tests to pinpoint the location, length, and cause of the narrowing (stricture). These tests could include:

• Urine tests: These check the urine for signs of infection, blood, or cancer. This helps determine if there's a problem with your urinary system.

• Urinary flow test: This measures how fast and strong your urine stream is. A slow or weak stream could indicate a blockage.

• Urethral ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create an image of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This helps see how long the narrowing is.

• Pelvic ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of your pelvic area. It can show if any urine remains in your bladder after you empty it. This is helpful in determining if there's a blockage in the bladder or urethra.

• Pelvic MRI scan: This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the pelvic bones and surrounding tissues. It helps understand how the narrowing affects the bones and surrounding structures.

• Retrograde urethrogram: This test uses X-rays and a special dye to look at the urethra. The dye helps the urethra show up clearly on the X-ray. This lets doctors see if there's a problem or injury, and it also helps determine the length and location of the narrowing.

• Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra and then into the bladder. This lets doctors see the inside of the urethra and bladder directly. This allows for a clear view of the narrowing and any other abnormalities.