Urethral Stricture

About Urethral Stricture

Narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) can be caused by the buildup of scar tissue due to:

• Trauma or direct injury to the urethra or pelvis (pelvic fracture)
• Intermittent or long-term use of a urethral catheter (a tube inserted through the urethra to drain the bladder)
• Enlarged prostate or previous surgery to remove or reduce an enlarged prostate gland
• Cancer of the urethra or prostate
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Stricture is more common in males than females because of the longer urethra.

The most common sign of a urethral stricture is slowing of your urine stream, which can happen suddenly or gradually. Other signs include:

• Urine leakage or dribbling after urination
• Difficulty, straining or pain when urinating
• Increased urge to urinate or more frequent urination
• Swollen penis
• Blood or discharge from the penis
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen