The urethra’s job is to transport urine from the bladder out of the body. Sometimes, this small tube becomes even more narrow than usual. This condition is called a urethral stricture . Urethral strictures can cause uncomfortable symptoms, and may lead to additional medical complications if left untreated. Because of this, it’s recommended that patients seek a referral to a urologist for specialized treatment.

Do women ever get urethral strictures?

It’s possible, but rare. They almost always affect men because men have a longer urethra . This means there are more opportunities for the urethra to be affected by injuries or disease.

What causes urethral strictures?

Occasionally, urologists are unable to determine the cause. Some of the most common causes include:

• Trauma to the urethra (such as from a fall)
• Infection in the area (including sexually transmitted diseases)
• Surgery to remove kidney stones
• Use of a urinary catheter
• Radiation therapy to the area
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Surgery for an enlarged prostate

Any condition or injury that can cause swelling and scarring of the urethra may cause it to narrow. This is why the doctor will ask about your prior history of surgeries. If you’ve ever had an endoscope or other instrument inserted into the urethra, there’s always a possibility that it can cause scarring.

What are the symptoms of urethral strictures?

Initially, patients will primarily notice problems with urinary flow, including the following:

• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Decreased urine stream
• Spraying or sputtering of the urine stream

Some patients may also experience pain during urination. If the urethral stricture isn’t treated and it causes additional damage, such as damage to the kidneys, patients may experience bloody or dark urine, bloody semen, urethral leaking, and abdominal pain. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may occur frequently, along with urinary incontinence and swelling of the penis.

Have you been diagnosed with urethral strictures? Find the expert care you need at Urology Associates, P.C. Call us today at (855) 901-1338 to request our next available appointment with a urologist in Tennessee.

Both men and women have urethras, which are tubes that transport urine out of the body. There are a few medical problems that can affect a man’s urethra, including urethral strictures. A urethral stricture occurs when the urethra becomes abnormally narrow . If you’ve been diagnosed with this painful condition or you suspect you might have symptoms of it, it’s time to make an appointment with a urologist.

Signs and Symptoms

Urethral strictures can be uncomfortable, causing pain of the lower abdomen and pelvic area, along with painful or difficult urination. Other urinary symptoms can include the following:

• Loss of bladder control (incontinence)
• Urinary urgency
• Increased urinary frequency
• Bloody urine
• Dark urine
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Weak urine stream

Along with urinary problems, urethral strictures may result in bloody semen, abnormal urethral discharge, and penile swelling.

Causes and Risk Factors

Men may have urethral strictures because of a disease or injury that affects the area. Some people develop scar tissue after undergoing surgery, which can also cause narrowing of the urethra. It’s possible, although not likely, for urethral strictures to be caused by a tumor. Tumors that grow near the urethra can exert pressure on the tube. Other factors that may increase the risk of urethral strictures include recurrent urethritis, pelvic injury, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. Additionally, men may have a higher risk of urethral strictures after requiring a urinary catheter or having a cystoscopy.

Treatment Options

In emergency situations, a doctor may place a suprapubic catheter to drain the urine and prevent complications. To treat the underlying cause, it’s possible to widen the urethra during a cystoscopy. The urologist can apply a topical anesthetic before stretching the urethra with a specialized instrument. If this doesn’t work, men may need surgery to correct the problem.

Urology Associates, P.C. is a leading provider of high-quality, patient-focused urology services in Tennessee. Our urologists provide cutting-edge treatments for men with urethral strictures and sexual dysfunction. If your doctor has referred you to a urologist, you can call our office at (888) 329-7700.

Men who suffer from bloody or dark urine, bloody semen, loss of bladder control, and swelling of the penis might visit a urologist to confirm a diagnosis of urethral strictures. A urethral stricture occurs when the urethra becomes abnormally narrowed. This is the tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the body. The primary underlying causes of urethral strictures are the inflammation or accumulation of scar tissue in the area.

A urethra may be subjected to scar tissue build-up or inflammation because of a traumatic injury or surgical procedure performed in the area. This problem might also be the result of a disease. It is rare, though possible, to have congenital urethral strictures. Some factors can increase the risk of urethral strictures, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), recurrent urethritis, pelvic injuries, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

For compassionate urology care in Tennessee, men and women can turn to Urology Associates, P.C. Call (855) 901-1338 or visit us online to view a list of conditions our urology team can treat , including sexual dysfunction and testicular cancer.