Urethral Stricture

Advanced, Minimally Invasive & Reconstructive Urethral Stricture Options at Austin Urology Institute

If you’re struggling with a weak urine stream, painful urination, frequent infections, or difficulty emptying your bladder, you may have urethral stricture disease. Left untreated, this condition can lead to urinary retention, infections, and even kidney damage.

At Austin Urology Institute, our board-certified academic trained urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating urethral strictures, from minimally invasive procedures to advanced reconstructive surgery. We’ll help you understand your options and build a treatment plan tailored to you.

Urethral Stricture Information

What Is Urethral Stricture?

Urethral stricture occurs when scar tissue narrows the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This narrowing restricts urine flow and can make urination difficult, painful, or incomplete.
There are two primary types:

Anterior strictures – Occur in the front portion of the urethra, often due to trauma, catheterization, or inflammation.
Posterior strictures – Occur deeper in the urethra, frequently related to pelvic injury or prior surgery.

Without treatment, strictures can worsen over time.

Common Causes of Urethral Stricture

Urethral strictures may result from:

Prior catheter use
Prostate surgery or other urologic procedures
Pelvic or genital trauma
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Sexually transmitted infections
Inflammatory skin conditions such as lichen sclerosis
Radiation therapy
Congenital abnormalities (such as hypospadias)

In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Symptoms of Urethral Stricture

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Weak or slow urine stream
Spraying or dribbling urine
Incomplete bladder emptying
Frequent UTIs
Blood in the urine
Urinary retention

How We Diagnose Urethral Strictures

At Austin Urology Institute, we use advanced diagnostic tools and a comprehensive examination of symptoms to determine the location, length, and severity of the stricture, including:

Physical examination
Urinalysis and urine culture
Urethroscopy (camera evaluation of the urethra)

We also check for the following symptoms as they can often be signs of urinary stricture

Frequent UTIs
Blood in the urine
Urinary retention

How We Treat Urethral Stricture

Depending on the severity of the urethral stricture, the Austin Urology Institute team may recommend the Optilume procedure: a minimally-invasive, highly advanced procedure that shows incredible post-operation results with minimal recovery time.

Our approach to helping patients suffering from urethral stricture through the use of the Optilume procedure ensures:

No large incisions
Reduced recurrence compared to standard dilation treatments
An outpatient procedure with a fast recovery

For many patients, Optilume offers an effective alternative to repeated dilation or surgery.

Why Choose Austin Urology Institute?

At Austin Urology Institute, we provide:

Board-certified academic trained urologists
Expertise in both minimally invasive and reconstructive approaches
Access to advanced technologies like Optilume
Personalized treatment plans
Compassionate, discreet care

We understand how disruptive urinary symptoms can be — and how personal this condition feels. Our goal is to restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a urethral stricture, don’t wait for complications to develop. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.
Contact Austin Urology Institute today to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options.