The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder so it can be expelled from the body.
Usually the urethra is wide enough for urine to flow freely through it. When the urethra narrows, it can restrict urinary flow. This is known as a urethral stricture.
Urethral stricture is a medical condition that mainly affects men.
Urethral stricture can cause numerous symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the signs of a urethral stricture include:
weak urine flow or reduction in the volume of urine
sudden, frequent urges to urinate
a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination
frequent starting and stopping urinary stream
pain or burning during urination
inability to control urination (incontinence)
pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
urethral discharge
penile swelling and pain
presence of blood in the semen or urine
darkening of the urine
inability to urinate (this is very serious and requires immediate medical attention)