A urethral stricture is a narrowing in any part of the tube (urethra) that drains urine from the bladder. This impairs urine flow. Urethral strictures occur primarily in men. Causes include:

• Injury to the urethra, such as from trauma, catheterization or surgery
• Urethral infections, such a gonorrhea

Rarely, strictures may be present at birth (congenital). Signs and symptoms of a stricture include:

• Decreased urine flow
• Incomplete emptying of bladder
• Urinary tract infection

A doctor can confirm a diagnosis by:

• X-ray with dye injection into the urethra
• Cystoscopy, a procedure in which your doctor inserts a narrow tube (cystoscope) with a camera attached into the urethra

Treatment may include:

• Internal incision of the stricture via a cystoscope
• Surgery to correct the condition (open urethroplasty)