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Urethral stricture

Updated on December 3, 2022

Narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the body (urethra) can restrict urine flow and cause a variety of problems.

Overview

A urethral (u-REE-thrul) stricture involves scarring that narrows the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A stricture restricts the flow of urine from the bladder and can cause a variety of medical problems in the urinary tract, including inflammation or infection.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of urethral stricture include:

Decreased urine stream
Incomplete bladder emptying
Spraying of the urine stream
Difficulty, straining or pain when urinating
Increased urge to urinate or more-frequent urination
Urinary tract infection

Causes

Scar tissue, which can narrow the urethra, can be due to:

A medical procedure that involves inserting an instrument, such as an endoscope, into the urethra
Intermittent or long-term use of a tube inserted through the urethra to drain the bladder (catheter)
Trauma or injury to the urethra or pelvis
An enlarged prostate or previous surgery to remove or reduce an enlarged prostate gland
Cancer of the urethra or prostate
Sexually transmitted infections
Radiation therapy

Urethral stricture is much more common in males than in females. Often the cause is unknown.