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Urethral Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Kidneys Urinary System

Urethral Disorders

The urethra is the final passage for urine to exit the body, and it can be affected by various conditions related to aging, illness, or injury.

Overview

The urethra is the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body. In men, it's a long tube that runs through the penis and also carries semen. In women, it's short and is located just above the vagina.

Types of Urethral Problems

Urethral problems may happen due to aging, illness, or injury. They include:

  • Urethral cancer: A rare cancer that happens more often in men.
  • Urethral stricture: A narrowing of the opening of the urethra.
  • Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, sometimes caused by infection.

Symptoms

Urethral problems may cause pain or difficulty passing urine. You may also have bleeding or discharge from the urethra.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose urethral problems using different tests, including urine tests, x-rays, and an examination of the urethra with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and may include medicines or, in severe cases, surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

stricture is usually the result of scar tissue from repeated infections, trauma (including catheter use), or prior surgeries. Treatment options range from minimally invasive urethral dilation or internal urethrotomy (cutting the scar) to more extensive reconstruction (urethroplasty) for longer or recurrent strictures.
High‑risk individuals (e.g., men with a history of chronic urethral inflammation, prior radiation, or certain occupational exposures) may undergo periodic cystoscopy with visual inspection of the urethra, sometimes combined with urine cytology. Early detection relies on symptom awareness—persistent bleeding, discharge, or a palpable mass.
Not always. While urethritis from bacterial or sexually transmitted infections is common, irritation from chemicals (soaps, spermicides), trauma, or early-stage urethral cancer can also cause burning. A urine culture and possibly a urethral swab help determine the exact cause.
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia. You may experience mild discomfort, a small amount of blood‑tinged urine, and a burning sensation for a day or two. Drinking plenty of water helps flush the urethra. Most patients resume normal activities within 24‑48 hours, but you should avoid vigorous sexual activity for about a week.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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