A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, caused by scar tissue. It is far more common in men. Left untreated, it can strain the bladder and kidneys.
Symptoms
- A thin, slow or spraying urine stream
- Straining and taking a long time to empty
- Dribbling afterwards
- Repeated urine infections or prostate infections
- Sudden inability to pass urine
Causes
- Injury, such as a fall astride or a pelvic fracture
- Previous catheters or instruments in the urethra
- Infections, including sexually transmitted infections
- Skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus
- No identifiable cause in some men
Tests
- Uroflowmetry: measures urine flow; strictures give a flat, prolonged pattern
- Ultrasound: checks bladder emptying and the kidneys
- Retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and MCU: X-rays that show the stricture’s length and position
- Cystoscopy in some cases
Treatment options
| Treatment | Best for | Long-term success |
|---|---|---|
| Dilatation | Temporary relief | Low; often repeated |
| Laser DVIU | Short, first-time strictures | Moderate; falls with each repeat |
| Urethroplasty | Long, recurrent or injury-related strictures | Highest |
Treating complicated stricture urethra is a special interest of Dr. Nitin Negi. If your stricture has come back after dilatation or DVIU, urethroplasty is usually the definitive answer.
Frequently asked questions
Can a urethral stricture go away on its own?
No. Scar tissue does not disappear; it usually narrows further over time.
Is urethral stricture common in women?
It is much less common in women but does occur and is treated by urologists.