Urethral Stricture
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
What is a urethral stricture?
A urethral stricture is narrowing of the tube that carries urine out of the body. This tube is called the urethra. Less urine comes out of the bladder as a result of this narrowing. This can cause problems in your bladder and urinary tract, such as infection.
What causes a urethral stricture?
A urethral stricture is usually caused by scar tissue. Scar tissue may develop from any of the following:
- An injury or long-term inflammation
- Medical procedures, such as a urinary catheter or a cystoscopy
- Infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Medical conditions, such as an enlarged prostate
- Treatment or therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy
What are the signs and symptoms of a urethral stricture?
- Pain or burning during urination
- Weak urine flow or reduced amount of urine
- Feeling like you did not empty your bladder completely
- Sudden, frequent need to urinate
- Unable to control urination
- Pushing or straining to urinate
- Dark urine or blood in your urine
How is a urethral stricture diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms. Tell the provider about any medical conditions you have and the medicines you take. The provider will examine your pelvic area and abdomen. You may need any of the following:
- A urine sample may show infection, blood, or kidney function.
- A urinary flow test measures how strong your urine flow is. This may show how severe your stricture is.
- A post-void residual test measures the amount of urine in your bladder after you urinate.
- A cystoscopy may show how long the stricture is and what is causing it. A thin tube with a scope is inserted into your urethra and moved up into your bladder.
- A retrograde urethrogram is a type of x-ray that may show the stricture or other injury to your urethra. This test can show the entire length of the urethra.
- A voiding cystourethrogram , or VCUG, is similar to a retrograde urethrogram. This is a type of x-ray of your bladder and urethra using contrast liquid. Your bladder is filled with contrast liquid, and you are asked to urinate while x-ray pictures are taken. The pictures will show how well your bladder empties and if there is any blockage. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
How is a urethral stricture treated?
Treatment depends on the size of your stricture and your symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Regular, self-catheterization over a period of time helps keep the urethra open. This also helps drain all the urine out of your bladder.
- Long-term Foley catheter placement. This is a catheter that stays in place for several weeks or as long as directed. The catheter is connected to a bag that collects your urine. This bag will need to be emptied several times a day.
- Medicines may be given to treat a bacterial infection.
- Urethral dilation (widening) is a procedure that increases the size of the urethra. This is done over time for people who have had more than one stricture.
- Urethroplasty is surgery to remove the narrowed section or make it wider. Tissues around your urethra might need to be repaired or rebuilt. If this happens, a small piece of tissue from another part of your body may be used.
- Urethrotomy is a procedure used to cut or release the stricture. A cystoscope is inserted into your urethra. The cystoscope has a camera on the end and a medical tool to cut the stricture.
How can I manage my symptoms?
- Keep a record of your urination patterns for a few days. Write down the number of times you urinate over 24 hours, the amount, and if you have urine leakage. Record how strong the urge to urinate was each time. Your provider may also want you to record the type and amount of liquids you drink.
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink extra water, or you may need to drink less. Carbonated drinks and caffeine may irritate your bladder. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
How can I help prevent a urethral stricture?
- Avoid injury or trauma to the urethra or pelvic area.
- Practice safe sex. Use latex condoms to protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your provider may recommend screening tests for certain STIs.
- Use caution if you self-catheterize. Use lubricating jelly. Use the smallest size catheter for the shortest time possible.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have severe pain.
- You are urinating very small amounts or not at all.
- You have blood in your urine after a new injury, such as a fall.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your urine is pink, or you notice blood in your urine.
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
