Urethral Stricture Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

If urinary issues associated with urethral strictures, such as urinary tract infections, urine stream spraying, or incomplete bladder emptying, cause painful or embarrassing symptoms, you don’t have to live with it. At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, with locations in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, experienced urologists use minor surgical procedures to correct urethral stricture and relieve your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today.

Urethral Stricture Q & A

What is Urethral Stricture?

Typically occurring in men, urethral stricture involves scarring and narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. The condition restricts urine flow from the bladder, increasing your risk of medical problems like infection or inflammation of the urinary tract. Surgical treatment helps relieve unpleasant symptoms and complications of urethral stricture.

What are the Symptoms of Urethral Stricture?

If you have a urethral stricture, you might experience some of the following problems:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
A weak urine stream
Difficult or painful urination
Spraying urine stream
Frequent urination
Incomplete bladder emptying
Urinary incontinence
Pain with urination
Strong urges to urinate

You may also experience blood in your semen. If your symptoms are painful, long-lasting, or embarrassing, getting an evaluation and treatment from your urologist can help you get relief.

What Causes Urethral Stricture?

Numerous factors can contribute to urethral stricture. Examples of common causes of the condition include:

Scar tissue or swelling after surgery
An infection or injury
A tumor near your urethra
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Long-term catheter use
An enlarged prostate gland
Radiation therapy
Cancer

Because some of these causes can indicate a medical problem requiring immediate treatment, it’s important to see your urologist as soon as you can if you have urethral stricture symptoms.

How is Urethral Stricture Diagnosed?

To diagnose urethral stricture, your Associated Urologists of North Carolina specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical exam and use special tests to measure urine flow rates and the amount of urine left in your bladder after voiding.

Your doctor may use blood tests, imaging procedures like X-rays, or cystoscopy using a thin, lighted tube inserted into the urethra to diagnose your condition.

What is the Treatment for Urethral Stricture?

Your personalized urethral stricture treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition and its causes. Your Associated Urologists of North Carolina specialist might recommend one of the following surgical procedures:

Urethral Dilation: Your urologist widens the urethra using a cystoscope and specialized dilating instruments.
Urethrotomy: Your doctor uses a cystoscope and surgical instruments to cut scar tissue and widen blockages in your urethra.
Urethral Reconstruction: If stricture reappears after urethral dilation or urethrotomy, your urologist might recommend urethral reconstruction. During the procedure, they can remove scar tissue, suture the ends of your urethra, or surgically rebuild the urethra. You might have to wear a catheter for several days after surgery and may experience blood in your urine temporarily while the treatment area heals.

Don’t live with pain or other unpleasant symptoms of urethral stricture when you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment with Associated Urologists of North Carolina today.