Urethral Stricture

Diagnosis of Urethral Stricture

The doctor will begin by taking a complete medical history, including asking about symptoms, and conducting a physical examination. A number of tests may be ordered to pinpoint the cause, location and length of the urethral stricture, including:

Uroflowmeter
The patient is asked to urinate into a funnel-like container that measures the amount and rate of urination. The equipment creates a graph charting urine flow over time. Abnormalities could mean the bladder muscle is weak or urine flow is obstructed.

Urinalysis
A urine sample is evaluated for infection, traces of blood, or signs of cancer. Any of these may cause scarring of the urethra.

Pelvic ultrasound
An ultrasound produces an internal view of the urinary tract using sound waves. After the patient empties his or her bladder, the doctor may use ultrasound to see if the patient's bladder still contains urine, a sign of a urinary obstruction.

Retrograde urethrogram
A catheter is inserted into the urethra, and contrast material is injected while X-rays of the urethra are taken.

Cystoscopy
A narrow tube including an optical system is inserted into the urethra to allow the physician to see inside of the urinary tract.