Urethral stricture

 

Urethral stricture means a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).

In simple words:

👉 Scar tissue forms inside the urine passage, making it tight or blocked.

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What causes it?

• Past infection

• Injury or trauma

• Catheter use

• Previous surgery

• Inflammation

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What problems can it cause?

• Weak or slow urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty

• Dribbling after urination

• Urinary tract infections

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How is it diagnosed?

• Endoscopy (cystoscopy) – camera to see the narrowing

• Urine flow tests

• Ultrasound to check leftover urine (post-void residual)

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Why is it treated?

If untreated, it can lead to:

• Repeated infections

• Bladder damage

• Kidney problems (in severe cases)

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Here’s a simple, clear overview of urethral stricture treatment options and how it’s different from prostate problems.

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Treatment options for urethral stricture (general overview)

The treatment depends on how tight, how long, and where the narrowing is.

1. Urethral dilation

• The narrowed area is gently stretched

• Often done using thin medical instruments

• May need to be repeated

Used when: the stricture is short and mild

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2. Endoscopic treatment (internal urethrotomy)

• Done using a small camera (endoscopy)

• The scar tissue is cut open from inside

• No large external cuts

Used when: stricture is short but tighter

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3. Surgery (urethroplasty)

• Scarred section is repaired or removed

• Has the best long-term success

Used when: stricture is long, severe, or keeps coming back

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4. Catheter (temporary)

• Helps urine drain if there is severe blockage

• Usually not a permanent solution

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Difference: Urethral stricture vs prostate problem

Feature	Urethral Stricture	Prostate Enlargement
Age	Can happen at any age	Mostly older men
Cause	Scar tissue in urethra	Enlarged prostate gland
Test	Endoscopy, urine flow	Ultrasound, PSA
Location	Urine tube	Below bladder

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Why treatment matters

If untreated, urethral stricture can cause:

• Repeated urine infections

• High post-void residual

• Bladder and kidney problems

1. Scar and “to straighten” in penis (medical meaning)

Scar in the penis

This usually means scar tissue has formed inside the penis or urethra (the tube that carries urine out).

Common medical reasons:

• Urethral stricture → a scar inside the urethra that narrows it

• Past infection, injury, catheter use, or surgery

Effects:

• Weak urine flow

• Difficulty urinating

• Urine left behind after peeing

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“To straighten” the penis (medical context)

Doctors may use this phrase when treating:

• Urethral stricture (scar causes bending or blockage)

• Penile curvature due to scar tissue

“Straightening” usually means:

• Opening or correcting the narrowed area

• Restoring normal urine flow

• Not about appearance, but function

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2. Endoscopy meaning in this context

In urinary problems, endoscopy usually means cystoscopy.

Cystoscopy

• A thin camera tube is passed through the urethra

• Lets the doctor see scars, narrowing, or blockage

• Helps decide if treatment is needed (like dilation or surgery)

So:

Endoscopy here = looking inside the urine passage to find scars or blockage

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3. Post-void residual (PVR) – meaning

Post-void residual =
👉 The amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating

Normally:

• Very little urine remains

High PVR means:

• The bladder did not empty fully

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4. Reasons for increased post-void residual

Blockage causes

• Urethral stricture (scar tissue)

• Enlarged prostate (in older males)

• Stones or inflammation

Bladder muscle problems

• Weak bladder muscles

• Nerve problems (diabetes, spinal issues)

Functional causes

• Pain while urinating

• Poor urine flow due to narrowing

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5. How these are connected

Scar → narrows urethra
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Urine cannot flow freely
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Bladder does not empty completely
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Post-void residual increases