What Is a Urethral Stricture?
Aurethral strictureis a buildup of scar tissue in the urethra.
Urethral stricture is almost always an adult male problem. Because men have a longer urethra, they're more prone to scar tissue buildup.
The stricture — or narrowing — can happen anywhere between the bladder and the tip of the penis.
Urethral stricture causes
Often, doctors can't find an exact cause for urethral stricture.
Likely causes for scar tissue may include:
Urethral stricture risk factors and complications
Risk factors for urethral stricture include having:
- An STI.
- A catheter.
- An enlarged prostate.
- Prostate cancer.
- An injury to the pelvic area.
- Swelling of the urethra (urethritis).
If left untreated, aurethral stricture can lead to chronic UTIs. If your urethra becomes severely blocked, kidney damage can occur.
If you're completely unable to pee, you need to call 911 or go to the ER right away.
How to prevent urethral strictures
There's no sure way to prevent urethral strictures, but there are ways to reduce your chances of getting one.
- Avoid injury to the pelvis and urethra.
- If you insert your own catheter, use the smallest one you can for the shortest time.
- Use condoms and avoid sex with infected partners. See a doctor right away to treat an STI.
Why choose the UPMC Department of Urology for urethral stricture care?
UPMC's urologic surgeons: