It is the narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) due to the formation of scar tissue, sometimes as a result of trauma. This narrowing makes it difficult to urinate and causes discomfort.
La urethra The urethra is essentially the excretory duct for urine, extending from the neck of the bladder to the external urethral meatus. It performs the same function in both sexes; however, there are some interesting differences. In women, the urethra is about 3.5 cm long and opens to the outside of the body just above the vagina. In men, the urethra is about 20 cm long, passes through the prostate gland, and then through the penis to the outside of the body. In men, the urethra is a duct shared by both the urinary and reproductive systems.
Therefore, its function is to bring to the outside both the urine such as seminal fluidIn men, the urethra begins at the base of the bladder, passes through the prostate gland, and forms part of the penis. In women, however, it is much shorter because its path is less extensive. It is firmly attached to the vaginal wall, does not pass through the prostate gland—women lack this organ—and, unlike in men, does not have a reproductive function.
The ureter should not be confused with the urethra. They are not the same. Their function is similar—to transport urine from one place to another—but while the ureter carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, the urethra carries it from the bladder to the outside. Both are fundamental parts of the urinary system and both are ducts that transport urine, but they have differences.
What is urethral stricture?
urethral strictures These are very common processes that develop as a result of trauma (introduction of instruments or foreign bodies into the urethra, external forces, urethral "piercing" etc.) or infections (urethritis).
They primarily affect males due to their urethral length and are characterized by narrowing of the urethral lumen secondary to a scarring process of the corpus spongiosum (spongiofibrosis), of variable length and depth; they can be single or multiple and affect any urethral segment.
The logical consequence of urethral strictures is obstruction of urinationTherefore, they are usually presented with the following symptoms:
- decreased force of the urinary stream or inability to urinate
- frequent need to urinate
- Urinary infections
- inflammations and infections of the prostate (prostatitis)
- drooling ejaculation
Long-term obstruction can lead to reversible or irreversible impairment of kidney function.
The choice of initial treatment is crucial, as the first opportunity is the best. The treatment decision must be based on a proper diagnostic evaluation.
