Is there any relief quite like that of unzipping and letting forth a strong stream of urine after holding it in for a lengthy period of time? And yet, sometimes what should be a feeling of relief is ruined by accompanying penis pain while urinating. With penis health a major concern for men, they definitely want to know what is causing unwanted penis pain like that. Sometimes when they consult a doctor about it, they might be told that they are experiencing urethral stricture. But just what does that mean?
About urethral stricture
As many already know, the urethra refers to the tube inside the penis through which urine flows when a man is urinating. (Semen also exits the body through the urethra during typical ejaculation.) A stricture is an abnormal narrowing of an opening. So when a man has a urethral stricture, it means that for some reason the urethra has narrowed. It may be the narrowing itself that causes the penis pain, but it also may be the cause of the narrowing that is to blame. Typically, a urethral stricture occurs when there is inflammation in the urethra or when scar tissue is present in the urethra.
In addition to penis pain while urinating, there may be other symptoms that could be associated with a urethral stricture. For example, there may be less urine emptying than usual, or a man may experience some “spraying” while urinating (which can result in a mess on and around the toilet or urinal, as well as on his own clothing). It may be difficult to empty the bladder completely, which means that a person may also find he needs to urinate more frequently. And a stricture increases the chances of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Causes
But what brings about the urethral stricture in the first place? Often, doctors don’t know the cause, although they may make educated guesses.
Where scar tissue is concerned, it often is due to some trauma to the penis. For example, if the penis is fractured, scar tissue may develop in the urethra. Similarly, if the penis receives a sharp blow, as from a hard-hit baseball, it can occur. Men who are in the hospital and require the insertion of a urinary catheter often find that it leaves scar tissue. And some men who enjoy sounding – the insertion of rods or other objects into the urethra for sexual pleasure – can inadvertently (and easily) create trauma while inserting and/or removing objects.
Other times, urethral stricture may result from a medical procedure in the penis, an enlarged prostate, radiation therapy, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Although urethral strictures most often are found in men, it is possible for a woman to get one as well.
Treatment
In some cases, treatment may not be necessary, as the urethral stricture may resolve on its own. In other instances, antibiotics or other medications may be used to treat infections and inflammation responsible for the narrowing. A doctor may also opt to use an instrument known as a dilator to widen the urethra.
In more severe cases, a doctor may need to perform surgery or, in even more severe cases, reroute the urinary tract so that urine exits the body through an opening created in the abdomen. Most cases, however, do not require such extreme treatments.
Penis pain from a urethral stricture may be less noticeable if the member is in good general health; such a can be aided by regular application of a first-rate penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). If the penis skin is flexible and pliable, there may be less likelihood of pain, so utilizing an oil with a combination of moisturizers, such as shea butter and vitamin E, is recommended. In addition, an oil with vitamin C is a good idea, as that vitamin is a component of collagen, a tissue in the body that gives skin its tone and elasticity.
