Urethral Stricture

What is urethral stricture?

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.

What are the symptoms of urethral stricture?

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)