What are Urethral Strictures?
Urethral strictures are scar tissue or an abnormal narrowing of the urinary tube which carries urine out of the body from the bladder. If you are having difficulty starting or have a slow stream when urinating, call your urologist NYC today to set up an appointment.
Causes of Urethral Strictures
Urethral strictures may be caused from an inflammation, surgery, disease or an injury to your urethral tube. Occasionally yet rare, a tumor near the urethra may cause a pressure which will slow or block the flow of urine. Urethral strictures can occur from sexually transmitted diseases and from procedure such as a catheterization.
The Symptoms
The symptoms vary with each case of urethra stricture, the symptoms can be singular or you can have multiple symptoms. The most common symptoms are:
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Blood in your semen
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Decreased urine output
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Frequent or urgent urination
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Pain during urination
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Swelling of the penis
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Discharge from the urethra
Examinations and Tests
Your urologist can determine the best course of treatment to treat your condition during the physical examination and your medical history is completed. The most common tests are:
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Post Void Residual Volume
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Urethrogram
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Tests to Check for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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Urinalysis
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Urinary Flow Rate
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Cystoscopy
Treatments
At this time there are no medications which can guarantee a decrease your urethral strictures. The treatments which have a success rate are:
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Cystoscopy-this procedure widens (dilates) the urethra by inserting a thin instrument into it by stretching the urethra, under a local anesthesia.
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Surgical options available are cutting the stricture via a cystoscope or dilating device.
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Urethroplasty-which involves the removal of the stricture and reconstruction of the urethra, done in Urologic Surgery Departments.
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If your urethral stricture is severe enough you may need a suprapubic catheter to allow your bladder to drain. This will be performed by your urologic surgeon.
