A urethral stricture occurs when scar tissue forms in your urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of your body. A urethral stricture can partially block urine flow, leading to pain, infection, and trouble urinating.
UPMC’s urologic surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating urethral strictures, with specialized training in the latest minimally invasive surgical treatments.
On this page:
What Is Urethral Stricture?
A urethral stricture is a buildup of scar tissue in your urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body.
The stricture — or narrowing — can happen anywhere between your bladder and the opening to the outside of your body. A urethral stricture can partly block urine flow, causing pain, infection, and trouble peeing.
How common is urethral stricture?
Urethral strictures are more common in men, affecting about 1 percent of males. They are less common in women.
What causes urethral stricture?
Sometimes, doctors can’t find an exact cause for urethral stricture. However, the condition may be caused by:
- A bike straddle injury.
- A sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Birth defects.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Having a catheter, either short- or long-term.
- Kidney stone removal.
- Pressure from a growing tumor near the urethra.
- Prostate cancer.
- Radiation exposure during prostate or other pelvic cancer treatment.
- Scarring from past surgery.
- Trauma to the pelvis or urethra from a sports injury.
Urethral stricture risk factors
Urethral stricture occurs most often in men. It is rare in women. Because men have a longer urethra, they're more prone to scar tissue buildup. The risk for developing a urethral stricture also increases with age.
Other risk factors for urethral stricture include having:
- A catheter.
- An enlarged prostate.
- An injury to the pelvic area.
- An STI.
- Prostate cancer.
- Swelling of the urethra (urethritis).
Complications of urethral stricture
If left untreated, a urethral stricture can lead to chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs). If your urethra becomes severely blocked, kidney damage can occur.
How can I reduce my risk of developing a urethral stricture?
There's no sure way to prevent urethral strictures, but there are ways to reduce your chances of getting one. Risk-reducing strategies include:
- Avoiding injury to your pelvis and urethra.
- If you insert your own catheter, use the smallest one you can for the shortest time.
- Using condoms and avoiding sex with infected partners. See a doctor right away to treat an STI.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Urethral Stricture?
Symptoms of urethral stricture may include:
- A weak or slow urine stream.
- Blood in your pee.
- Blood in your semen.
- Having to strain to pee.
- Inability to fully empty your bladder.
- Leaking pee.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Pain or irritation with urination.
- Stomach pain.
- Swelling of your penis.
- UTIs.
When should I see a doctor about my urethral stricture symptoms?
If you have urethral stricture symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk of complications.
If you're completely unable to pee, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department right away.
How Do You Diagnose Urethral Stricture?
To diagnose urethral stricture, your doctor will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also order tests to confirm the diagnosis.
What to expect during your visit
To diagnose urethral stricture, your doctor will:
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order diagnostic tests.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Review your medical history.
Tests to diagnose urethral stricture
Tests to diagnose urethral stricture include:
- Imaging tests — An ultrasound or x-rays ofyour urethra.
- Urethrogram — Your doctor will insert contrast dye into the urethra at both ends — the tip of the penis and the bladder. The dye will stop at the stricture so they can see its exact location on a special x-ray.
- Urethroscopy — Your doctor will place a small, flexible scope into your urethra to look at the stricture.
Urethral stricture prognosis
Most cases of urethral stricture can be successfully treated with surgery. However, in some cases, surgery may need to be repeated if scar tissue recurs or can’t be removed entirely during a single procedure.
How Do You Treat Urethral Stricture?
Urethral stricture is most often treated with surgery. The goals of urethral stricture treatment are to remove the stricture and restore urine flow.
Urethral stricture surgery
Surgical treatment options depend on the stricture’s location, type, and length, and may include:
- Urethral dilation — Gradual stretching to widen the urethra at the spot of the stricture.
- Urethroplasty — Open surgery to remove the stricture. Your surgeon may use grafts as a patch to repair or replace the damaged urethra.
- Urethrotomy — Cutting the stricture with a laser or knife through a scope.
Your recovery time will vary depending on the type of procedure you have.
In some cases, the stricture may recur, and you may need repeat treatment.
Why Choose UPMC for Urethral Stricture Care?
When you choose UPMC for urethral stricture care, you will receive:
- Access to board-certified specialists — Our urologic surgery experts have special training in the latest, minimally invasive treatments for urethral stricture.
- Expert diagnosis and personalized care — We have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating urethral strictures in men. Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
- A full range of treatment options — Our urologists offer a full range of surgical treatments for urethral stricture and will recommend the safest, most effective option for you.
