Recovery & Support for Urethral Stricture

Urethral strictures can sometimes return, or recur, after treatment, usually within the first two years after surgery. The longer the stricture, the greater the chance of recurrence. After dilation or surgery, NYU Langone doctors continue to monitor urethral functioning by conducting periodic physical examinations and tests as needed. About six months after surgery, your doctors may perform a cystoscopy, in which they use a thin scope to see inside the urethra. Or, they may order a urethrogram, which provides them with images of the urethra using X-ray or ultrasound.

You can help to prevent urethral strictures by taking care to avoid injury to the pelvis and by taking safe sex measures to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can lead to strictures.

If you experience any continued signs of urethral stricture—including pain during urination, a slower than usual stream of urine, the inability to completely empty your bladder, or extra drips of urine after you finish urinating—you should contact your doctor. Additional dilation procedures or surgery may be needed to treat recurrent urethral stricture.