When functioning properly, the urethra carries urine from the bladder to be released from the body. Problems occur, though, when the urethra narrows, restricting urinary flow. This is known as urethral stricture disease and can happen to both men and women, although it is more common in men. When this happens, a urologist in New York will need to treat the area. If you’re worried that you have urethral stricture disease, you should be familiar with the causes, symptoms, and treatment. (Related: urologist Manhattan)
Causes
Although there are different reasons that this may occur, many times it is due to scar tissue. These scars come from injuries such as falling on a bicycle bar or being hit hard near the scrotum. Some of the less common causes of urethral stricture disease include pelvic fractures, radiation, surgery on the prostate, or a sexually transmitted infection. Your urologist in New York will observe the area and consider your history to pinpoint why this occurred.
Symptoms
If you have urethral stricture disease, your urine flow will decrease, possibly causing swelling, UTIs, or infections. Some of the other common symptoms include blood in your urine and semen, pain while urinating, abdominal pain, and loss of bladder control. If this problem is severe and left untreated for a long period of time, it could lead to kidney damage.
Treatment
First, your urologist in New York will need to diagnose the disease, which can be done by a physical exam, urethral imaging, or a urethroscopy. The treatment that the urologist in New York will recommend depends on how much scar tissue there is and the size of the blockage. Treatment options include dilation, urethrotomy, or open surgery.
If you have urethral stricture disease and do not remove it, it could cause you further pain and possible damage to your kidneys in the future. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit us at Luzato Medical group for an exam.
