1. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures
2. Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures
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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is the urethra?
• What is urethral stricture?
• What are the causes of urethral stricture?
• What are the symptoms of urethral stricture?
• What type of doctors treat urethral obstruction?
• How is urethral stricture diagnosed?
• Are there any special tests for diagnosing urethral stricture?
• What is the treatment for urethral stricture?
• What surgical options are available for urethral stricture?
• Can urethral stricture be prevented?
• What is the prognosis for urethral stricture?
• Urethral Stricture At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Urethral Stricture - Symptoms
• Find a local Urologist in your town
• Urethral Stricture Index

In general terms, urethral stricture is not preventable as most common causes are related to injury, trauma, instrumentation, or unpreventable medical conditions. Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are less common causes of urethral stricture, and they can be potentially prevented by practicing safe sex.

In general, outlook on urethral stricture is favorable. Depending on the underlying cause, some cases may carry a poorer prognosis.

• Urethral stricture is much more common in men than in women.
• Any inflammation of the urethra resulting from injury, trauma, previous surgery, or infection can cause urethral stricture.
• Symptoms of urethral stricture can range from no symptoms at all to complete urinary retention.
• Imaging studies and endoscopic evaluations are important tools in the diagnosis of urethral stricture.
• Medications generally play no role, and surgical procedures remain the mainstay of treatment for urethral stricture.
• The overall prognosis for urethral stricture is good.

REFERENCES:

Gousse, Angelo E., Daniel J. Caruso, Richard A. Santucci, Joshua A. Broghammer, and Jon Timothy Posey. " Urethral Strictures, Male." eMedicine.com. June 24, 2009. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/450903-overview>.

Lumen, Nicolaas, et al. "Etiology of Urethral Stricture Disease in the 21st Century." The Journal of Urology 182.3 Sept. 2009: 983-987.