Urethral Stricture

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of your urethra. Your urethra is the tube through which urine (pee) leaves your body. If you have a penis, your urethra runs from your bladder to the opening at the tip of your penis (urethral meatus). If you have a vagina, the urethra runs from your bladder to the front of your vagina.

Many people with a urethral stricture will have increasing discomfort while peeing and a slow or weak stream. This can gradually develop and lead to pushing or straining to empty your bladder. In others, problems peeing may show up suddenly, without any prior problems, and require immediate care.

Another name for a urethral stricture is urethral stricture disease.

How common are urethral strictures?

Urethral strictures affect about 1% of people who have a penis. Urethral strictures are less common if you have a vagina.