Urethral Stricture
Treatment for Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture is the narrowing of the urethra – the tube through which urine usually flows freely from the bladder and out of the penis – which restricts urinary flow. It is due to tissue inflammation or the presence of scar tissue.
Scar tissue can result from numerous factors, but is commonly due to a straddle injury, such as falling off a bike and landing on the crossbar. Other causes leading to urethral stricture include pelvic fractures, catheter insertion, prostate surgery, benign prostate hyperplasia, radiation, a tumor, urinary tract infection, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Men with an enlarged prostate or who have had a recent catheter, one or more STIs, or urethritis (swelling and irritation of the urethra) due to infection are at higher risk of developing urethral stricture.
Urethral Stricture Symptoms
- A weak urine flow or a reduction in volume
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infections
- An inability to urinate (requires immediate medical attention)
Treatment for urethral stricture depends on the severity of your condition. It ranges from nonsurgical methods such as gentle dilation to increase the capacity of the urethra, treating the stricture with a laser using a minimally invasive approach (internal urethrotomy), to urethroplasty, which provides formal reconstruction to allow the highest chances of long-lasting success and freedom from repetitive procedures.
Contact Our Urologist for Stricture Treatments in Winston-Salem and Wake Forest, NC
Wake Forest Men’s Health provides surgical and nonsurgical treatment for urethral stricture. To discuss your medical options with Dr. Ryan Terlecki, call (336) 716-4131 or you can request an appointment online.
