Common Causes of Urethral Strictures
Urethral strictures occur when scar tissue narrows the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the body. This narrowing can lead to symptoms like discomfort, difficulty urinating, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Understanding the causes of urethral strictures is vital to effective treatment. Dr. Anand Shridharani, a board-certified urologist and member of the American Urological Association, helps patients get to the root of this condition and find long-term relief.
Do Urethral Strictures Only Affect Men?
Urethral strictures do not only affect men. However, they are more common in men due to anatomical differences. Men have a longer urethra. This increases the likelihood of trauma, infections, or scarring, all of which are associated with strictures.
What Causes Urethral Strictures?
Several issues can lead to urethral strictures. Here are some of the most common ones men experience.
Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma to the pelvic area is a leading cause of urethral strictures. Pelvic fractures, falls, or accidents that damage the urethra can result in scar tissue formation. This formation, in turn, narrows the passage.
Infections
Some infections can inflame the urethra and cause scarring, including:
- Gonorrhea: A bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Chlamydia: Another bacterial STI that often affects the urethra.
- Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection common in places like South America and the Caribbean.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Severe or recurrent episodes of genital herpes can contribute to strictures.
Medical Procedures
Certain medical interventions may cause scarring in the urethra. Well-known contributors include:
- Catheter placement
- Urethral surgeries
- Radiation therapy for cancer
Congenital Conditions
Some individuals are born with abnormalities in their urethra that predispose them to strictures, such as:
- Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV): Abnormal tissue flaps form in the urethra during fetal development.
- Hypospadias: An abnormality where the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip.
- Epispadias: A rare condition where the urethra does not fully form along its length.
Find Relief with Expert Care
Urethral strictures can significantly diminish your quality of life. The good news is that solutions are available.
Dr. Anand Shridharani has years of experience diagnosing and treating urethral strictures. He offers personalized care to address your needs.
Don’t wait to find relief. Schedule a consultation today by calling one of our three locations: 423-778-4MEN (4636) (Two Northgate Park), 423-778-5910 (Erlanger Main Campus), or 423-778-8478 (Erlanger East Campus).
