Written by MASSH
Jun 28, 2023
Ureteric strictures, both in men and women come with a similar probability and risk factors. In fact, it is one of the few urological conditions for which men and women are equally at risk. But apart from the risk factor, is the condition similar for men and women throughout? No. The causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of ureteric strictures in women differ from that in men. While the differences are not stark, there are actual reasons on why they exist. So, with that being said, let’s learn in detail about the gender differences in ureteric strictures and what are the best ways for management of ureteric strictures in men and women.
Ureteric strictures do not have different effects based on the patient’s gender. Obstruction in the ureter stops urine flow causing urine backwash into the kidney and trouble in regular urination. The basics remain the same regardless of gender. However, in case of ureteric stricture in men, the prostate and its conditions can play a part in the risk factors.
Similarly, for female ureteric strictures, gynaecological issues can play similar risk factors that the other gender doesn’t have. Now that you know the basic differences, let’s explore the other ways in which the condition is different for men and women in terms of the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Ureteric strictures can be caused by a broad spectrum of causes. However, injuries to the ureter are the leading cause of both female and male ureteric strictures. The nature of the injury can be both external or internal. For example, external injuries entail personal accidents or sports injuries. Internal injuries entail injuries to the ureter from urological conditions or their treatments. The risk is shared by both genders for this cause. Similarly, congenital causes or birth defects leading to a narrow ureter are also a risk shared by both genders as it can affect any person.
The difference in cause of ureteric stricture among genders comes from anatomical differences between the two genders. Men have prostate and the enlargement of prostate is a common urological condition for men that can increase their risk of ureteric strictures. Similarly, men have a longer urethra compared to women, which makes them more susceptible to urethral strictures. Sometimes, urethral strictures can extend and cause ureteral strictures as well. Even in cases, where the strictures don’t extend, urethral strictures in men are a major risk factor for ureteral strictures too. This is mainly because urological conditions can cause urinary tract infections, which can trigger other conditions.
In women ureteric strictures are mainly caused due to gynaecological issues. Conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other gynaecological surgeries create the major causes for ureteric strictures in women. Surgeries are always major risk factors for ureteric strictures for both genders and that’s why any invasive treatment of urological conditions, increases the risk of the strictures for all involved.
The symptoms of the ureteric strictures can also differ for both genders. While the primary symptoms like flank pain and trouble urinating are similar between the two genders, the difference comes in the degree to which these symptoms affect them. Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects mainly women with ureteric stricture. It is a condition that leads to women losing control of their bladder and having accidental leaks time and again.
On the other hand, the most common urinary trouble for men with ureteric strictures is difficulty urinating and maintaining a steady stream of urine. It is also followed by difficulty emptying the bladder. Men have a higher chance of developing other conditions like urethral strictures from ureteric strictures because of the longer urethra and inability to empty the bladder.
Apart from that ureteric strictures and inability to empty the bladder has negative effects on the urological health of men in general. It can cause urinary tract infections, which can lead to other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or urethral strictures. In women this problem surfaces differently with gynaecological problems like pelvic discomfort and irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding.
Diagnosis of ureteric strictures in men and women has its differences too. Imaging tests are more commonly used for diagnosing ureteric strictures in women while invasive diagnostic tests like ureteroscopy are used to diagnose strictures in men. While this is not a set preference as imaging tests are also commonly used in men in cases where the patient is old or the strictures may have been caused by injury.
Men have a larger urethral opening compared to women and for that reason, it is easier to insert a camera scope through there to get a clear view of the stricures inside the ureter. For women, it is difficult to insert the surgical tools through the urethra, so alternatively gynaecological tests and pelvic examinations are used alongside imaging tests to diagnose ureteric strictures in women.
The treatment of ureteric stricture remains the same for both genders. Treatment options can range from medicinal treatment to surgical procedures, but the options themselves are the same for both. Medicinal treatment can not treat the strictures, they can only help you deal with the symptoms. Similarly, surgical options are not all bad. In the past when only open surgery was an option, it used to be much more risky. But with the advancements of technology, minimally invasive surgeries today have cut down on the surgery risk and recovery time significantly.
Procedures like ureterorenoscopy have now provided permanent relief from ureteric strictures, something that was very difficult in the past. And in case if you have smaller strictures or the patient is old, simpler surgical procedures are also available that do not strain the health of the patient as much as balloon dilation and stent placement. All in all, the treatment of ureteric strictures has come a long way and for a condition that can reoccur almost at will, today’s treatment options have been able to keep the risk low provided you get the surgery from top institutions.
There you have it, that’s just some of the ways ureteric strictures differ among men and women. If you or your loved ones are going through the symptoms of this condition, feel free to reach out to us at MASSH. We provide specialised care of all types of urological conditions with state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgeries. Our treatment procedures are safe, simple, and have a quick recovery. We also keep your recurrence risks in check and ensure a safe recovery for all our patients. For more information about ureteric stricture treatment plans, please visit our website.
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