What is Urethral Stricture?

Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, which is normally flexible, due to scar tissue buildup. This prevents urine from emptying freely from the bladder, leading to obstruction.

How and Why Does Urethral Stricture Occur?

Strictures usually develop from the uncontrolled formation of scar tissue following an injury. The most common causes are:

• Following medical procedures: Damage to the urethra during catheterization, cystoscopy, or prostate surgery are among the most common causes.
  

• Trauma: Falls from bicycles, impacts, or falls from heights can damage the area where the urethra is located. Additionally, pelvic fractures resulting from traffic accidents can cause serious injuries to the urethra.
  

• Infections: Certain sexually transmitted infections can cause urethral stricture.
  

• Skin diseases: Certain skin conditions that cause whitening at the tip of the penis can lead to urethral stricture.
  

• Unexplained causes: In some patients, no clear cause may be identified. (Usually in the elderly.)

What kinds of complaints does the patient complain of?

Symptoms gradually increase depending on the degree of stenosis:

• Significant decrease in urine flow rate (weak flow).

• Urination in a forked or splashing manner.

• Difficulty initiating urination and straining during urination.

• Prolonged dripping at the end of urination.

• A feeling of incomplete ejaculation.

• Frequent urinary tract infections and burning.

What other diseases can cause symptoms like this?

(Differential Diagnosis)

Symptoms of urethral stricture can be confused with other urological diseases:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is the most common condition that can be confused with prostate problems in older adults.

• Prostate Cancer.

• Bladder Neck Height.

• Neurogenic Bladder: Inability of the bladder muscle to function due to nerve damage.