Urethral stricture in women refers to the narrowing or scarring of the urethra, which obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder. This condition can lead to a range of urinary symptoms and complications. Urethral stricture in women is a relatively rare condition compared to men, but it can have significant impacts on urinary function and quality of life.

If you want to know more about urethral stricture or you experience symptoms, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best urologists in East New York.

Causes

Here are the several causes of urethral stricture in women, including:

• Trauma ─ Injury to the urethra from surgical procedures, catheterization, or childbirth.
• Infections ─ Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause scarring and narrowing of your urethra.
• Inflammation ─ Chronic inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus.
• Iatrogenic causes ─ Complications from medical interventions like radiation therapy or surgery.
• Idiopathic ─ In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Symptoms

You may experience the following symptoms if you have urethral stricture, which includes:

• Difficulty urinating ─ You may experience a weak or slow urinary stream, making you strain to urinate.
• Frequent urination ─ When you have this condition, you may experience the need to urinate more often than usual.
• Incomplete bladder emptying ─ You will have a feeling where your bladder is not fully emptied after urination.
• Urinary tract infections ─ You might experience an increased frequency of UTIs due to residual urine in your bladder.
• Urinary retention ─ In severe cases, you might experience the inability to urinate at all.

Diagnosis

For correct diagnosis, your medical provider will need one or more of the following:

• Medical history and physical examination ─ Your detailed medical history and examination.
• Urinalysis and urine culture ─ This lab tests are important to rule out infections.
• Uroflowmetry ─ This will measure the flow rate of your urine.
• Postvoid Residual Measurement ─ To check the amount of urine left in your bladder after urination.
• Cystourethroscopy ─ Direct visualization of your urethra using a scope.
• Imaging Studies ─ Ultrasound, MRI, or urethrogram to assess your urethra and its surrounding structures.

Treatment

These are the available treatment options for urethral stricture:

• Dilation ─ Gradual stretching of your urethra using dilators.
• Urethrotomy ─ Endoscopic procedure to incise the stricture.
• Urethroplasty ─ Surgical reconstruction of your urethra, often used for longer or recurrent strictures.
• Stent Placement ─ Insertion of a small tube to keep your urethra open (less common due to complications).
• Management of Underlying Conditions ─ Treating any infections or inflammatory diseases contributing to the stricture.

With appropriate treatment, you can experience significant improvement in your symptoms and quality of life.

Prevention

To prevent urethral stricture, you will need:

• Careful medical procedures ─ This is to ensure safe practices during catheterization and surgeries to minimize trauma.
• Prompt treatment of infections ─ Manage your UTIs and STIs immediately to prevent scarring.
• Regular follow-ups ─ For those with known risk factors or previous strictures, regular check-ups can help in early detection and management.

Women with urethral stricture should work closely with a urologist to manage the condition effectively. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent complications and maintain your urinary health. Urethral strictures can recur, which needs an ongoing monitoring and possibly, repeated treatments.

If you suspect or have symptoms of urethral strictures, consult your medical provider immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment plan. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologist will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/