urethral stenosis

Urethral stenosis, also known as urethral stricture, is a condition where the urethra narrows. The urethra is the duct that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In males, it also serves as a passageway for semen.

This narrowing can be caused by various factors, including congenital conditions, inflammation, infection (historically, gonorrhea was a common cause), injury, or scarring from medical instruments. In older men, enlargement of the prostate gland can also obstruct the urethra.

Symptoms of urethral stenosis include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, pain during urination, and bleeding or discharge from the urethral opening. Treatment may involve repeated dilation of the narrowed area or surgical intervention.12