The urethra is a canal in placental mammals that links the urinary bladder to the meatus for the elimination of fluids from the body. Urethral stricture is the narrowing of the urethra caused by injuries, sexual infection and instrumention. A urethral stricture happens when scarring narrows the tube that transports urine out of your body. This condition limits the flow of urine from the bladder and cause a range of medical problems in the urinary tract. Urethral stricture is more common in males than in females because males have a longer urethra.
Signs and symptoms of urethral stricture disease include- Bloody or dark urine Urine leakage or dribbling after urination Difficulty, straining or pain when urinating Swelling of the penis Slow or decreased urine system
The primary causes include: Cancer of the urethra or prostate Sexually transmitted infections Damage from surgical tools Urinary catheterization Kidney stone removal
Ythe doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history and conduct a physical exam. To ascertain the cause, site and length of the urethral stricture, ythe doctor may recommend a number of tests. Utrasound of the urethra Retrograde urethrogram MRI and CT scan Cystography, filling and voiding Anterograde cystourethrpgram
Surgery is the recommended treatment for individuals with urethral strictures. The surgical treatment recommended may vary with the severity of the stricture as well as the assessments of the risks and benefits of the procedure. The common surgical procedures include: Urethral dilation Urethral stent placement Direct vision internal urethrotomy Open urethral reconstruction
The disease can be prevented by: Avoid injury to the urethra and pelvis Protection during sexual contact Be careful with self-catheterization
