Urethral stricture is a medical condition where the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) becomes abnormally narrow due to scarring or fibrosis. This can restrict urine flow and cause various urinary symptoms and complications.

Causes

• Trauma: Injury to the urethra, often from falls, accidents, or surgical procedures like catheterization or cystoscopy.

• Infections: Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

• Inflammation: Conditions like lichen sclerosus or balanitis.

• Surgery: Procedures on the prostate or urethra, such as transurethral resection.

• Congenital: Present from birth due to malformations.

Symptoms

Weak urine stream or dribbling.

• Difficulty starting urination.

• Painful urination (dysuria).

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

• Incomplete bladder emptying.

• Urinary retention in severe cases.

• Recurrent UTIs.

Diagnosis

1. Medical History & Physical Exam: Includes a detailed account of symptoms and potential risk factors.

2. Uroflowmetry: Measures the rate of urine flow.

3. Ultrasound: To check bladder emptying and detect complications.

4. Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG): An X-ray imaging study to visualize the stricture.

5. Cystoscopy: A scope inserted into the urethra for direct visualization.

Treatment Options

• Catheterization: Temporary relief in severe cases of urinary retention.

• Dilation: Gradual widening of the urethra using special instruments.

• Risk of recurrence is high.

In Ayurveda, urethral stricture can correlate with Mutraghata or Mutrakrichra (difficulty or obstruction in urination). Treatments like Uttara Vasti, Kshara Karma (application of alkaline medicines), and herbal formulations are used for symptom relief and improving urinary flow.

Complications if Untreated

•Urinary retention.

•Chronic kidney damage (hydronephrosis).

•Recurrent infections.

•Bladder stones.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience:

•Severe difficulty in urination.

•Complete inability to urinate.

•Pain, swelling, or blood in the urine.