Urethral strictures are a health concern that many people who use catheters are aware and afraid of.  Given the complications and health issues that go along with having strictures, it’s an especially important topic for people who use intermittent catheters.

Many people who use intermittent catheters every day don’t realize they may be developing a urethral stricture. Unfortunately, catheter users often don’t know either the signs or symptoms that indicate they may have a urethral stricture.

Cure Medical advocate Rick Hayden is the president of United Spinal’s Southern California chapter and a T-8 paraplegic.  On a daily basis, Rick helps people who are new to SCI in adjusting to life on wheels.

In the video below, Rick shares his experience with having surgery for urethral strictures, and why he Chooses a Cure!

VIDEO: Dealing with Strictures – Rick Hayden Chooses a Cure Catheter

Rick says, “I’ve had two stricture surgeries. I realized I was getting a stricture when it became more difficult to get the catheter all the way into my bladder.”

“I recently made the change to the Cure brand of catheters,” Rick continues. “The Cure brand has smooth, polished eyelets and there’s no scraping going in.”

Feel the difference for yourself! Request a free sample of Cure catheters here.

Educational Information about Urethral Strictures

The Urology department at UCLA Hospital website shares the following educational information about urethral strictures.

What is a Urethral Stricture?

Contact your physician if you think you may have or are developing a urethral stricture.

A urethral stricture is scarring in or around the urethra that narrows or blocks the passageway through which urine flows from the bladder. The stricture results from inflammation, infection or injury, and is much more common in men than in women. The scarring can occur anywhere between the bladder and the tip of the penis. In addition to uncomfortable urinary symptoms such as reduced flow rate and more frequent urination, a urethral stricture can lead to complications that include urinary tract infections, prostatitis, urinary retention and kidney damage.

Urethral Stricture Symptoms

Symptoms of urethral strictures are mostly urinary – painful urination, reduced urine output, slow urine stream, spraying of the stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and inability to void. Urinary tract infections are also common, and blood will occasionally appear in the urine.

Treatment for Urethral Strictures

Ask your physician about the best options for your individual needs.

Among the many approaches to treating strictures are:

• gradually stretching them, a process called dilation;
• cutting the stricture with a laser or knife using a specially designed cystoscope (urethrotomy); and
• surgically removing the stricture and then reconstructing the area with grafts (anastomotic urethroplasty).

The choice of treatment depends largely on the severity of the stricture.  Source

Note: This article is educational in nature only, and should not be construed as medical advice. Please contact your physician with questions and for advice about your individual needs and health care.

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