Urethral Stricture Overview
Urethral Stricture Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment for urethral narrowing, weak urine stream, painful urination, urine leakage, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, and restricted urine flow.
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, usually due to injury, infection or inflammation. The urethra is the tube responsible for carrying urine out of the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra can severely restrict the flow of urine from the bladder, blocking it completely in some cases. Urethral stricture occurs more commonly in men, as they have a longer urethra than women.
Urethral stricture evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides evaluation and treatment planning for urethral stricture symptoms in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
While not all causes for urethral stricture can be identified, it may be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Urethral or prostate cancer
- Prostate removal surgery
- Pelvic fracture
In some case, the extended use of a urethral catheter may cause a urethral stricture.
Pelvic fracture, prior procedures, catheter use, and other trauma may contribute to narrowing or scarring of the urethra.
Infection, inflammation, and certain sexually transmitted diseases may contribute to urethral stricture formation.
Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
A common symptom of urethral stricture is a sudden slowing of the urine stream. Other symptoms may include:
- Decreased amounts of urine during urination
- Swollen penis
- Pelvic pain
- Painful urination
- Urine leakage after urination
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infections
If left untreated, a urethral stricture can cause infections to the prostate, bladder and kidneys, potentially causing serious problems. It is important for patients to seek prompt medical attention upon experiencing these symptoms.
Seek urgent medical attention if you cannot urinate, have severe pain, fever, chills, worsening pelvic pain, or blood in the urine.
Diagnosis of Urethral Stricture
A urethral stricture is diagnosed through a physical examination and review a patient's medical history. Additional tests may be performed, and include:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Cystoscopy
- Uroflowmetry
Urine tests are also performed to check for the presence of blood, bacteria and infection. A series of tests is often necessary to rule out other conditions.
Imaging may help evaluate urinary tract structures and identify related causes or complications.
A scope may be used to view the urethra and bladder and help identify narrowing.
A urine flow test can measure the speed and strength of urination.
Treatment of Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture only requires treatment if symptoms are noticeable. Immediate treatment is necessary for urethral strictures causing pain or blocking the urine flow. For mild cases a catheter may be used to open the urethra and correct the stricture. Severe cases may require a surgical reconstruction of the urethra.
Regular follow-up exams are usually necessary for at least a year after a urethral stricture has been treated to ensure that it does not recur. A doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on patient's individual symptoms and condition.
Urethral stricture may only require treatment if symptoms are noticeable or if urine flow is affected.
For mild cases, a catheter may be used to open the urethra and correct the stricture.
Severe cases may require surgical reconstruction of the urethra.
The best treatment depends on the location, length, severity, cause, prior treatments, symptoms, urine flow, infection history, and overall health.
Common questions about urethral stricture.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help confirm the cause of urinary symptoms and discuss treatment options.
What is a urethral stricture?
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, usually due to injury, infection or inflammation. The urethra is the tube responsible for carrying urine out of the bladder.
Who is more likely to develop a urethral stricture?
Urethral stricture occurs more commonly in men, as they have a longer urethra than women.
What causes urethral stricture?
Causes may include sexually transmitted diseases, urethral or prostate cancer, prostate removal surgery, pelvic fracture, or extended use of a urethral catheter. In some cases, the cause cannot be identified.
What are symptoms of urethral stricture?
Symptoms may include sudden slowing of the urine stream, decreased urine during urination, swollen penis, pelvic pain, painful urination, urine leakage after urination, blood in the urine, or urinary tract infections.
Can urethral stricture cause complications?
If left untreated, a urethral stricture can cause infections to the prostate, bladder and kidneys, potentially causing serious problems.
How is urethral stricture diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include physical examination, medical history review, pelvic ultrasound, cystoscopy, uroflowmetry, and urine tests to check for blood, bacteria, and infection.
How is urethral stricture treated?
Treatment depends on symptoms and severity. For mild cases, a catheter may be used to open the urethra and correct the stricture. Severe cases may require surgical reconstruction of the urethra.
Will I need follow-up after treatment?
Regular follow-up exams are usually necessary for at least a year after a urethral stricture has been treated to ensure that it does not recur.
Where can I get urethral stricture care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides urethral stricture evaluation and treatment planning in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a urethral stricture consultation in La Mesa.
If you are experiencing a weak urine stream, painful urination, pelvic pain, urine leakage, blood in the urine, or recurrent urinary tract infections, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options.