Urethral Stricture

Causes:

Several factors can contribute to the development of urethral strictures, including:

1. Trauma: Traumatic injury to the urethra, such as a pelvic fracture or straddle
injury, can lead to scarring and narrowing of the urethra.
2. Infection: Infections of the urinary tract or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
can cause inflammation and scarring of the urethra, leading to strictures.
3. Medical procedures: Certain medical procedures involving the urethra, such as
catheterization, urethral dilation, or prostate surgery, can increase the risk of
urethral strictures.
4. Inflammatory conditions: Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as urethritis or
lichen sclerosus, can cause inflammation and scarring of the urethra, leading to
strictures.
5. Congenital abnormalities: Rarely, urethral strictures may be present at birth
due to congenital abnormalities or developmental defects.

Signs and Symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of a urethral stricture may include:

1. Difficulty urinating: Difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted urine flow,
or incomplete emptying of the bladder.
2. Urinary retention: Inability to urinate or complete emptying of the bladder,
leading to urinary retention.
3. Urinary urgency and frequency: Urgent or frequent urination, often with small
amounts of urine passed each time.
4. Pain or discomfort: Pain or discomfort during urination (dysuria), particularly as
the urine passes through the narrowed urethra.
5. Spraying or dribbling: Spraying or dribbling of urine during urination, which may
occur due to obstruction or narrowing of the urethra.
6. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Recurrent urinary tract infections may occur due
to incomplete bladder emptying or urine retention caused by the stricture.

Prevention:

Preventing urethral strictures involves minimizing risk factors and taking precautions to
avoid injury or inflammation of the urethra, including:

1. Safe sex practices: Practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) that can cause urethral inflammation and scarring.
2. Avoiding trauma: Taking precautions to prevent traumatic injury to the pelvic
area or urethra, such as wearing protective gear during sports activities or
avoiding straddle injuries.

3. Proper medical care: Seeking prompt medical attention for urinary tract
infections or other urinary symptoms to prevent complications that may lead to
urethral strictures.

Treatment:

Treatment for urethral strictures depends on the severity of the narrowing, the location
of the stricture, and the individual's overall health and treatment preferences. Treatment
options may include:

Medical Treatment:

1. Urethral dilation: Stretching the narrowed portion of the urethra using special
instruments (dilators) to widen the passage.
2. Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may be used to
reduce inflammation and scar tissue formation in the urethra.

Surgical Treatment:

1. Urethrotomy: A minimally invasive procedure in which the narrowed portion of
the urethra is incised or cut open using a special instrument (urethrotome) to
widen the passage.
2. Urethroplasty: A surgical procedure to repair and reconstruct the urethra, often
using tissue grafts or flaps from other parts of the body, to widen the narrowed
portion and restore normal urine flow.
3. Urethral stent: Placement of a small tube (stent) in the urethra to keep it open
and maintain urine flow, particularly for recurrent or complex strictures.