Urethral strictures narrow and block the urethra, which generally results from the inflammation or the scarring of the urethra. Various causes that may lead to the development of strictures are:

• Pelvic Injury: Any form of trauma or injury to the pelvis or near the scrotum may cause urethral strictures in males.
• ● Hypospadias surgery: Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the urethral opening is not formed properly. Young males who undergo surgery to correct this abnormality are at a greater risk of getting urethral strictures.
• Catheterisation: Inserting a catheter in the urethra may damage it and cause a stricture to form.
• Prostate surgery: Men who have undergone prostate surgery in the past are at a greater risk of developing urethral strictures.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Various bacterial and sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea may inflame or scar the urethra. This may result in the narrowing of the urethra.

Feeling urgency and pain, while urinating are the most common symptoms of urethral strictures. Other signs that may also indicate Urethral strictures are:

• Loss of bladder control
• Swelling in the penis or nearby structures
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Feeling fullness in the bladder even after urinating
• Frequent urination
• Taking longer than usual to urinate
• Presence of blood or semen in the urine
• Inability to urinate

Your doctor may ask you to undergo the following tests to detect the stricture:

• Physical exam: Your doctor will first visually check the penis and the pelvic area for any signs of infection. He will then evaluate your medical history.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools for strictures. In this procedure, images of the urethra and the bladder are produced by high-frequency sound waves. It helps detect abnormalities in the urethra, bladder, or ureter.
• CT scan: A CT scan helps produce cross-sectional images of the pelvic region. It uses infrared rays to deliver high-quality images and accurately detect abnormalities in the urethra or bladder.
• Urethroscopy: During ureteroscopy, your doctor will pass an instrument with a camera (urethroscope) through the urethra to see where the stricture is present.
• ● Blood tests: Your doctor will take a sample of your blood and test it for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or other bacterial infections.

Your doctor may ask you to undergo the following tests to detect the stricture:

• Physical exam: Your doctor will first visually check the penis and the pelvic area for any signs of infection. He will then evaluate your medical history.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools for strictures. In this procedure, images of the urethra and the bladder are produced by high-frequency sound waves. It helps detect abnormalities in the urethra, bladder, or ureter.
• CT scan: A CT scan helps produce cross-sectional images of the pelvic region. It uses infrared rays to deliver high-quality images and accurately detect abnormalities in the urethra or bladder.
• Urethroscopy: During ureteroscopy, your doctor will pass an instrument with a camera (urethroscope) through the urethra to see where the stricture is present.
• Blood tests: Your doctor will take a sample of your blood and test it for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or other bacterial infections.

There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options available for urethral strictures. Your doctor will select your treatment option based on your symptoms, overall health, and severity of the stricture.

Non-surgical Treatment

1. Dilation: This is the most common treatment for mild urethral strictures. It involves making your urethra wider by inserting a medical instrument known as a dilator. Your doctor will pass a wire through the urethra and gradually stretch it to reduce the stricture.
2. Catheterisation: In this procedure, your doctor will insert a catheter into your bladder through the urethra. He will then allow the urine to drain from the bladder and remove it completely.

Surgical Treatment

1. Urethrotomy: In this procedure, your doctor will cut the stricture using a special laser or scalpel. They may also use a urethroscope for the same.
2. Open surgical removal: For more severe strictures, the doctor may perform an open urethroplasty. In this procedure, your doctor will surgically remove the stricture and the tissues surrounding the urethra. They may then reconstruct the urethra using grafts or other reconstructive procedures.

Urethral strictures can be a cause of concern for both males and females. However, most people experience a favourable outcome through medical treatment and surgery. It is necessary to consult your doctor immediately if you see any of the symptoms mentioned.

Delaying treatment may cause the strictures to worsen over time. Monitor your health and follow up regularly with your doctor after treatment to prevent its recurrence.

The surgical and non-surgical treatment for urethral stricture is safe and does not carry any significant risks. However, certain complications may arise post-treatment, such as:

• Pain in the pelvic region
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Irritation in the bladder
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Bleeding
• Inability to control urine (incontinence)
• ● Impotence in males