Urethral Strictures

What are the causes?

The constriction of the urethra is usually caused by tissue inflammation or the presence of scar tissue. A straddle injury is a common trauma to that can lead to urethral stricture and examples include falling onto a bicycle bar or getting hit in the area close to the scrotum. Men with penile implants, and young boys who have had hypospadias surgery to address an underdeveloped urethra, have a higher chance of developing urethral stricture.

Other common causes of urethral stricture include:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• pelvic fractures
• radiation
• catheter insertion
• surgery performed on the prostate

Far less common causes include:

• a tumor located close to the urethra
• gonorrhea or chlamydia (sexually transmitted diseases)
• untreated or repetitive urinary tract infection

 

What are the symptoms?

Urethral strictures can cause numerous symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the signs are:

• weak urine flow, or a decrease in volume of urine
• frequent, sudden urges to urinate
• frequent starting and stopping of urinary stream
• a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination
• burning or pain during urination
• incontinence
• penile swelling and pain
• pain in the pelvic area or lower abdominal area
• darkening of the urine
• blood in the semen or urine
• urethral discharge
• inability to urinate (this is very serious and you should seek immediate medical attention)