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Urethral Stricture
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, usually from scarring. It makes urinating difficult and mainly affects men.
Causes & risk factors
- Injury to the urethra or pelvis
- Previous catheter or urinary procedures
- Infection or inflammation of the urethra
- Radiotherapy to the area
- Sometimes no clear cause
Common symptoms
- Weak or split urine stream
- Straining to pass urine
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Recurrent urine infections
Tests & diagnosis
- Uroflowmetry (flow test)
- Retrograde urethrogram (X-ray)
- Cystoscopy
- Urine test
- Post-void residual ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Dilatation (stretching) of the narrowed segment
- Endoscopic incision of the stricture
- Urethroplasty (reconstructive surgery) for lasting cure
- Treating any infection
- Follow-up, as strictures can recur
When to see a doctor urgently
- Being suddenly unable to pass urine — emergency
- A progressively weaker urine stream
- Repeated urine infections
- Blood in the urine with difficulty urinating
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about urethral stricture. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can a urethral stricture come back after treatment?
Simple stretching or incision can recur. Reconstructive surgery (urethroplasty) offers the most durable results for suitable strictures.
Why does it mostly affect men?
The male urethra is much longer and more exposed to injury, infection and procedures, so strictures are far more common in men.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.