How to Choose a Catheter for Urethral Stricture?

Urethral stricture can happen for different reasons, including injury or intrinsic conditions. If you're encountering this issue, do not worry—just look for medical assistance. Your doctor will offer assistance with your condition and take the correct steps to assist you keep up with a normal life. Today, Bever Medical will talk about the causes of urethral stricture, and accessible treatment alternatives, as well as a few common questions and answers.   


 

What Is Urethral Stricture?  

Urethral stricture happens when scar tissue makes the urethra narrow, blocking urine flow. This will influence both men and ladies, but it is more common in men. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When it becomes too narrow, you may have trouble urinating, experience weak urine flow, frequent urination, or even complete urine blockage. Severe cases can lead to infections or kidney problems.  

Causes of Urethral Stricture  

Urethral stricture happens when the urethra gets damaged or inflamed, leading to scarring. Common causes include:  

• Injury: Falls, car accidents, or long-term catheter use can damage the urethra.  

• Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea can cause scarring.  

• Medical procedures: Prostate surgery, cystoscopy, or repeated catheter use may injure the urethra.  

• Chronic conditions: Skin diseases like lichen sclerosis can lead to urethral scarring.  

• Birth defects: Some people are born with a narrow urethra.  

How to Treat Urethral Stricture  

Treatment depends on how severe the stricture is. Here are some common methods: 

1. Using a Coude Catheter  

Doctors may use a Coude catheter (a curved-tip catheter) to help pass through the narrow part of the urethra. This type of catheter is easier to insert and reduces discomfort.  

A Coude catheter is useful for:  

✔ Patients with urethral stricture who need a catheter.  

✔ Cases where a straight catheter cannot pass through.  

✔ Patients who had trouble using regular catheters before.  

2. Urethral Dilation  

Doctors insert special rods or a balloon catheter to slowly widen the urethra. This provides short-term relief but may need to be repeated. 

 

3. Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU)  

A doctor uses a small camera and a laser or blade to cut the scar tissue. This works well for mild cases but may not be a permanent solution.  

4. Urethroplasty (Surgery)  

For severe or repeated strictures, a surgeon removes the scar tissue and reconstructs the urethra using tissue from another part of the body, like the mouth. This offers a long-term fix. 

5. Self-Dilationat Home  

Some patients may be advised to use soft catheters at home to prevent the urethra from narrowing again. This should be done under a doctor's guidance. 

6. Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Urethral Stricture

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent acquired urethral strictures. Try the following to reduce the risk:

• Stay hydrated to promote urine flow and reduce the risk of infection.

• Avoid holding urine for long periods to reduce bladder pressure.

• Avoid high-risk sexual behavior to prevent urinary tract infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

• Get medical help early if you notice any urinary problems.  

FAQs About Urethral Stricture  

Do I need surgery for urethral stricture? 

Not always. Mild cases can be managed with catheters or dilation. Surgery is only needed for severe or recurring strictures. 

 

How do I know if I have a urethral stricture? 

If you have weak urine flow, trouble urinating, frequent urination, or urine blockage, see a doctor. A urine flow test or imaging scan can confirm the condition. 

Does using a Coude catheter hurt?  

A Coude catheter is designed to reduce discomfort. However, there may be some mild discomfort. Using a sterile lubricant helps. 

 

Can urethral stricture come back after treatment? 

Yes, it can. Even after treatment, some patients experience recurring strictures. The effects of treatment for urethral stricture may diminish over time, especially longer strictures, which are more likely to recur.

 

Does urethral stricture affect sexual function?  

Urethral stricture may cause sexual dysfunction due to difficulty urinating and weak urine flow. In severe cases, it can affect ejaculation and even cause retrograde ejaculation (when semen flows backward into the bladder). If symptoms such as pain occur, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Choose a High-Quality Coude Catheter for Better Urethral Health  

It's great important for patients with urethral stricture to choose the right catheter. Beaver Medical provides hospitals with high-quality Coude Catheters, they help urologists and patients solve the difficulties of catheterization caused by urethral stricture. If your hospital is purchasing bulk catheters, you can consider our medical-grade silicone or PVC catheter products, contact us now to customize urological care solutions.