Urethral Stricture

Expert Care to Restore Comfortable Urination

Difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or frequent urinary infections may be signs of a urethral stricture. This condition is treatable, and in many cases long-term relief is possible with specialized urologic care.

Our team provides advanced diagnosis and treatment to help patients return to comfortable, normal bladder function.

What Is a Urethral Stricture?

A urethral stricture occurs when scar tissue narrows the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This narrowing restricts urine flow and can lead to uncomfortable or frustrating urinary symptoms.

Strictures can develop slowly over time, and many patients do not realize what is causing their symptoms until they see a specialist.

Why This Condition Matters

When urine cannot flow normally, pressure builds inside the urinary tract. Over time, untreated strictures can lead to:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder damage 
• Kidney problems 
• Urinary retention (inability to urinate) 

Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and provide lasting relief.

Common Symptoms of Urethral Stricture

Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time.

You may notice:

• Weak or slow urine stream 
• Difficulty starting urination 
• Spraying or split urine stream 
• Frequent urination 
• Pain or burning with urination 
• Urinary tract infections 
• Incomplete bladder emptying 
• Urinary retention in severe cases 

These symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions, which is why evaluation by a urologist is important.

What Causes Urethral Strictures?

Scar tissue in the urethra can develop from several causes, including:

• Previous urinary procedures or catheter use 
• Injury or trauma to the pelvis or urethra 
• Infections or inflammation 
• Enlarged prostate treatments 
• Prior prostate or pelvic surgery 

Sometimes the cause is unknown.

How We Diagnose Urethral Stricture

A thorough evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment.

Testing may include:

• Urine testing 
• Bladder emptying studies 
• Cystoscopy (camera exam of the urethra) 
• Imaging of the urinary tract 

These tests help identify the location and severity of the narrowing.

Urethral Stricture Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity, length, and location of the stricture.

Our goal is to restore urine flow and prevent recurrence.

Urethral Dilation

A minimally invasive procedure that gently widens the narrowed area.

Best for:

• Short or mild strictures 
• Temporary relief or early treatment 

Internal Urethrotomy

A small endoscopic procedure that opens the scar tissue from inside the urethra.

This is often performed as an outpatient procedure.

Urethroplasty (Reconstructive Surgery)

For longer or recurrent strictures, reconstructive surgery provides the most durable, long-term solution.

This procedure rebuilds or replaces the narrowed section of the urethra and has high success rates.

Treatment of Underlying Causes

We also address contributing conditions such as:

• Enlarged prostate 
• Chronic infections 
• Urinary retention 

Treating the root cause helps prevent recurrence.

Why Specialized Care Matters

Urethral strictures often recur if not treated appropriately. Seeing a urologist experienced in stricture disease ensures:

• Accurate diagnosis 
• Access to advanced treatment options 
• Long-term symptom relief 
• Protection of bladder and kidney health 

When to See a Urologist

Schedule an evaluation if you experience:

• Weak urine stream 
• Difficulty urinating 
• Recurrent urinary infections 
• Urinary retention 
• Persistent urinary symptoms despite treatment 

You do not have to live with frustrating urinary symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions