Urethral Stricture

Urethra is a tube in our body which carries urine from the bladder to dispose it. When the urethra is wide, urine flows through it easily and freely. But when the urethra narrows, the urine flow is restricted. This condition is known as urethral stricture. It is a medical condition which mainly affects men. Though women may be affected as well.

Causes

• Urethral stricture is caused due to inflammation of the tissues or development of scar tissues.
• A common cause for stricture is past cathterisation, done during some previous hospitalization.
• Straddle injuries can lead to urethral stricture Getting hit by a bicycle bar or a mnahole cover right in the groin may be such examples of injuries. Straddle injuries may present as emergencies.
• Pelvic fractures
• Pelvic Radiation in any form
• Surgery performed on the prostate
• A tumour situated close to the urethra
• Untreated or recurring urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Idiopathic

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Urethral Stricture are:

• Weak urine flow.
• Reduction in the volume of urine.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Burning sensation or pain while urination.
• Inability to control or hold on urine.
• Penile swelling and pain.
• Blood in urine and semen.
• Darkening of urine.
• Inability to urinate.

Diagnosis

If one faces any of the above mentioned symptoms, he should immediately consult a Urologist. The doctor will discuss about the symptoms; past history about the illness and other illness. He may even examine the penis area. The doctor will also conduct tests, in which he will measure the rate of urine flow; he will advise for urine tests; he may even conduct cytoscopy, to view the inner condition of the bladder and urethra. He may also conduct some special X Rays.

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. The treatments of Urethral Stricture include the following procedures:

Nonsurgical: In this process a dilator is used to widen the urethra. The doctor passes a small wire through the urethra into the bladder to dilate it. This process gradually increases the width of the urethra.

Another method is placing a permanent urinary catheter. This method is adopted in severe cases.

Surgery

• Endoscopic Using an endoscope to open up the narrow segment.
• Open – In the surgical procedure, an open urethroplasty is done, it is generally done for severe strictures. The procedure includes removing the affected tissues and reconstruction of the urethra.

Your Urologist will give you details of each procedure and sub types available.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent urethral strictures, as STIs are also a cause for it. Using protection during sexual activities can prevent it to some extent. Other medical conditions and injuries associated with urethral strictures are difficult to avoid. If one faces the above mentioned symptoms he should consult a doctor, as treating the disease in the primary stage can help in preventing complications.