Urethral stricture in men

Urethral stricture surgery is one of the services provided by Iran Medtour, which is supplied by the best kidney and urinary tract specialists, along with accommodation, a translator, a companion nurse, and a city tour at an affordable price in Tehran.

What is urethral stricture?

Inflammation of scar tissue in the urethra tract is the main cause of urethral stricture in men, which slows down the exit of urine from the bladder or completely stops it. Also, urethral stricture can be caused by a urinary infection.

Causes of urethral stricture in men

Stricture or narrowing of the urethra tract occurs for various reasons, including the following.

  • Chronic inflammation or wounding and scratching in a part of the urinary tract.
  • Injury or trauma to the external genitalia, perineum, or pelvis.
  • Getting infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea
  • Prostate or penile cancer
  • Catheterization and long-term use of the catheter also cause problems in the urinary tract
  • Pelvic fracture is another cause of problems in the urethra, and the narrowness of the urethra tract.

Symptoms of urethral stricture in men

Poor urine flow or decreased urine volume is the main symptom of urethral stricture. Also, the following symptoms are other symptoms of urethral stricture.

  • The presence of blood in the semen, and bloody or darkening of urine
  • frequent urination
  • Splashing of urine
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swelling of the penis
  • Infection in the urinary tract
  • Poor urine flow or decreased urine volume (drop by drop)
  • Difficulty starting to urinate, which is usually delayed.
  • A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination
  • Increased frequency of urination more than usual
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Two or more branches of urine during its excretion
  • Straining to urinate due to urethral stricture
  • Tumor is another cause of urethral stricture in some people.
  • Urinary incontinence and other leaks

Types of urethral stricture in men

Urethral strictures are divided into the following types:

1- Anterior urethral stricture

The most common type of urethral stricture can be considered as anterior urethral stricture. This type of urethral stricture is usually caused by injuries to the genital area, due to various reasons, including sitting on a bicycle and placing the bicycle tube between the legs.

2- Posterior urethral stricture

Posterior urethral stricture occurs due to scratch tissue or wound or narrowing of the urethra at a distance of 2 to 5 cm from the bladder, or due to severe injuries, such as hip fracture or radiation therapy.

Diagnosis of urethral stricture

To diagnose urethral stricture in men, methods, such as a color photo of the urethra are used to determine the severity of the length and location of the stricture. In this method, a substance, seen by X-ray is injected into the urethra through the tip of the men’s penis, using a catheter.

Using the cystoscopy method, in which a narrow tube is inserted into the bladder is another method of diagnosing urethral stricture. Also, a urine flow test which measures the volume and the intensity of urine flow is another method.

Examining the urine to observe blood infection or cancer in the urine, and imaging the urethra with the help of ultrasound, as well as the use of the ureteroscopy method, in which a small device is inserted at the site of the urethral stricture are other methods of diagnosing the urethral stricture.

Treatment strategies for urethral stricture in men

The type of method to treat this condition depends on the severity and symptoms of tract narrowing, which will be discussed below:

1- Dilatation

One of the common treatments to solve this problem is that a specialist doctor opens the narrowed part of the tract with a device called a catheter and widens the tract with a device called a dilator, which aims to improve the flow of urine and decrease the symptoms caused by ductal stenosis. It is important to know that the dilatation method is used to treat narrow tracts with a length shorter than one centimeter and cannot be used for strictures with a longer length.

2- Open surgery or urethroplasty

In this method, according to the location and extent of the narrowing of the tract, the specialist doctor treats the narrowing of the tract with the open method of minimally invasive techniques, such as applying robotic surgery or endoscopy. In general, this method is safe and efficient, but after the performance, some complications, such as bleeding and infection may happen to the person.

3- Urethral stricture closure surgery or ureterostomy

in this method, the specialist creates an incision in the narrow part of the tract, to be able to open the tract and improve the urine flow. This method is performed in several ways, such as ureterostomy or direct observation inside the tract and intra-optical ureterostomy. Urethrotomy surgery is performed to treat urethral stricture. The surgeon makes an incision in the narrow part of the tract to open the duct and improve the urine flow.

Risks and complications of urethral stricture surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Recurrence of the stricture
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Urinary incontinence

Important Considerations:

  • It’s crucial to have realistic expectations about treatment. While treatment can often improve the condition, it may not completely “cure” it.
  • Peyronie’s disease can have a significant psychological impact. It’s important to address any anxiety, depression, or relationship issues that may arise.
  • Discuss all treatment options, including the risks and benefits, with your doctor to make an informed decision.

Disclaimer

This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with us or a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

If you would like the best surgeons in Iran’s first-class hospitals to perform your surgery, and at the same time be comfortable and stress-free during your treatment and stay in Iran at a reasonable cost, like your home, get in touch with iranMedtour consultants

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FAQ

How quickly can a urethral stricture develop?

A urethral stricture can develop gradually over time, or it can occur more quickly after an injury or infection. Sometimes, the narrowing may be present for a while before symptoms become noticeable.

Can a urethral stricture heal on its own?

Urethral strictures generally do not heal on their own. They usually require some form of treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent further narrowing.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage a urethral stricture?

While lifestyle changes cannot cure a stricture, some measures might help manage symptoms or reduce the risk of complications:

  • Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help dilute urine and reduce irritation.
  • Avoiding irritants: Limiting consumption of caffeine and alcohol may help reduce bladder irritation.
  • Managing underlying conditions: If the stricture is related to another condition (like diabetes), managing that condition is essential.
What are the long-term effects of an untreated urethral stricture?

Untreated urethral strictures can lead to serious complications, including:

  • Urinary retention: Inability to urinate.
  • Kidney damage: Due to backflow of urine.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Recurrent infections.
  • Abscess formation: A collection of pus near the urethra.
  • Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
How successful is urethral stricture treatment?

The success rate of treatment depends on the type and severity of the stricture, as well as the chosen treatment method. Urethroplasty generally has the highest long-term success rates, but all procedures carry some risk of recurrence.

Will I need further treatment after my initial procedure?

Regular follow-up with a urologist is essential after urethral stricture treatment to monitor for recurrence and ensure proper healing. Some men may require additional procedures over time.

Can urethral strictures affect sexual function?

Yes, urethral strictures can affect sexual function in several ways. Pain during urination or intercourse, as well as erectile dysfunction, can occur. The psychological impact of the condition can also contribute to sexual difficulties.

Are there any preventative measures I can take to reduce my risk of developing a urethral stricture?

Some preventative measures include:

  • Practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of STIs.
  • Seeking prompt treatment for UTIs.
  • Being cautious to avoid injury to the urethra during catheterization or other medical procedures.
If I have a urethral stricture, can I still have children?

Urethral strictures generally do not affect fertility directly. However, they can cause discomfort during intercourse, which might impact family planning. If surgery is required, it’s essential to discuss any concerns about future fertility with your doctor.

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