What Is Urethral Stricture?

A urethral stricture is a scar-related narrowing that restricts urine flow. Men may notice a weak stream, spraying, straining or recurrent infections.

What causes urethral stricture?

Causes include trauma, infection, prior catheterisation or idiopathic scarring. Understanding likely cause and exact location helps plan durable repair rather than temporary relief alone.

Symptoms to recognise

• Weak, spraying or split urine stream
• Straining to void
• Prolonged time to empty the bladder
• Recurrent urinary infections
• Feeling of incomplete emptying

When to seek care

Progressive stream change, infections, retention or blood in urine should prompt urology review. Delaying assessment can allow bladder strain or infection to worsen in some patients.

How strictures are evaluated

Assessment maps length and location, often using uroflow, residual urine measurement and imaging or endoscopic evaluation as indicated. Planning precedes any decision between endoscopic and reconstructive options.

Treatment options overview

Medicines do not remove scar narrowing. Short strictures may be managed with endoscopic approaches such as VIU in selected patients. Longer, denser or recurrent strictures may lead to discussion of urethroplasty. Choice depends on anatomy and prior treatment history.

Recovery and follow-up themes

After intervention, catheter duration and activity limits vary. Follow-up checks healing and stream quality. Recurrent narrowing can occur; report worsening flow early rather than waiting for complete blockage.

Dr. Aman Chandra Deshpande evaluates urethral stricture in Hyderabad and discusses VIU or urethroplasty after assessment. Consultations are available at Apollo Jubilee Hills and Samanwi Clinics; call 80087 62525.