A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the body. This condition is significantly more common in men and can cause serious urinary problems, discomfort, and long-term complications if left untreated. Strictures may result from injury, infection, medical procedures, or inflammation, and often require specialized urological treatment.
Bangkok is a top destination for urethral stricture evaluation and treatment, offering advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, and reconstructive urethral surgery performed by expert urologists.
This guide explains the causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and available treatment options for urethral strictures.
What Is a Urethral Stricture?
A urethral stricture occurs when scar tissue forms inside the urethra, narrowing the channel and restricting urine flow.
Why it happens:
Trauma or injury (sports, accidents, straddle injuries)
Previous catheterization
Prior urethral surgery
Infection (including STDs like gonorrhea)
Chronic inflammation
Prostate enlargement or surgery-related damage
Scar tissue limits the passage of urine and can worsen over time.
Common Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
Men may experience:
Urinary Symptoms
Weak urine stream
Difficulty starting urination
Dribbling after urination
Splitting or spraying stream
Pain or burning during urination
Incomplete emptying sensation
Frequent urination
Advanced Symptoms
Urinary retention
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Recurrent urinary infections
Bladder distension
Kidney damage (rare but serious)
Seek evaluation early to avoid complications.
How Urethral Stricture Is Diagnosed
A urologist may perform:
1. Uroflowmetry
Measures strength and speed of urine flow.
2. Post-Void Residual (PVR) Test
Checks how much urine remains after urinating.
3. Cystoscopy
A small camera is inserted to visualize the stricture directly.
4. Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG)
X-ray imaging to measure length and location of the stricture.
5. Ultrasound or MRI (if needed)
Used for complex or high-grade strictures.
Proper imaging guides appropriate treatment selection.
Treatment Options for Urethral Stricture
Treatment depends on stricture length, location, and severity.
1. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Dilation
Gradual stretching of the urethra
Temporary improvement
Often used for short, simple strictures
Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU)
Small incision inside the urethra to open the narrowing
Quick procedure with fast recovery
Best for first-time, short strictures (<1–2 cm)
Minimally invasive options may require repeat procedures.
2. Urethroplasty (Reconstructive Surgery)
The gold standard for long or recurrent strictures.
Types of Urethroplasty:
Excision and Primary Anastomosis (EPA)
Stricture removed
Ends reconnected
Excellent success rates (>90%)
Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty
Tissue graft from inside the cheek
Used for long or complex strictures
Benefits:
Highest long-term cure rate
Permanent solution for most men
Restores natural urination
3. Perineal Urethrostomy (Rare Cases)
Used in severe or recurrent strictures when other treatments fail.
Which Treatment Is Best for Men?
Short stricture → DVIU or dilation Long or recurrent stricture → Urethroplasty Multiple failed procedures → Urethroplasty recommended early
A consultation with a reconstructive urologist determines the optimal plan.
Recovery Timeline
Varies by treatment:
Dilation / DVIU:
1–2 days downtime
Catheter for 3–7 days
Urethroplasty:
1–3 days in hospital
Catheter for 2–3 weeks
Light activities after 2 weeks
Full healing in 6–8 weeks
Success rates are highest with urethroplasty.
Expected Results
Men typically experience:
Stronger urine stream
Reduced urinary symptoms
Improved bladder emptying
Relief from pain and discomfort
Long-term cure (especially after urethroplasty)
Risks & Safety Considerations
Possible risks include:
Bleeding
Infection
Stricture recurrence
Temporary discomfort during urination
Swelling at graft site (if buccal graft used)
Choosing an experienced urologist reduces risks significantly.
Why Men Choose Bangkok for Stricture Treatment
Urologists specializing in urethral reconstruction
Modern operating facilities
Access to advanced imaging tools
Lower cost than Western hospitals
High success rates in DVIU and urethroplasty
Private, discreet care environment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a stricture go away on its own? No — scar tissue does not resolve without treatment.
Can strictures return? Yes, especially after dilation or DVIU. Less common after urethroplasty.
Is urethroplasty painful? Pain is manageable and improves quickly.
Can I have sex after surgery? Yes — after full healing (typically 6–8 weeks).
Will treatment affect erections? Modern techniques minimize any sexual side effects.
Key Takeaways
Urethral strictures are common and treatable.
Early diagnosis prevents serious complications.
DVIU is effective for short strictures; urethroplasty for long or recurrent ones.
Bangkok offers world-class urology expertise at accessible prices.
Menscape provides discreet, professional urological care.
📩 Experiencing urinary difficulty? Book a private consultation at Menscape Bangkok today.
