Understanding Urethral Stricture: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Urethral stricture is a medical condition that affects the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The condition is characterized by the narrowing of the urethra, which can cause difficulty in urination.
The condition can affect both men and women, but it is more common in men. It is estimated that about 1 in every 1,000 men is affected by urethral stricture.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
- Injury to the urethra, such as during a pelvic fracture or a catheterization procedure
- Scar tissue formation due to previous urethral surgery
Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
The symptoms of urethral stricture can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty in starting urination
- Weaker urine stream
- Frequent urination
- Urinary tract infections
- Blood in the urine
- Incontinence
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for Urethral Stricture
The treatment for urethral stricture depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, the condition can be managed with medication, such as antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to widen or reconstruct the urethra.
Some common surgical procedures used to treat urethral stricture include:
- Urethral dilation, which involves using a special instrument to widen the urethra
- Urethroplasty, which involves using tissue from other parts of the body to reconstruct the urethra
- Urethrotomy, which involves making a small incision in the urethra to widen it
If you are experiencing symptoms of urethral stricture, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and
Diagnosis Codes for Urethral stricture | N35
Not Available