Urethral strictures are difficult to manage mainly because of the chance of recurrence. The condition can’t be fully managed without some luck on your hands because often the initial cause and the cause of recurrence can’t be understood fully by doctors. So, other than looking out for the urethral stricture symptoms, there is not much else you can do. And given the nature of the condition, the symptoms start appearing when the condition has already developed itself to a concerning degree. 

So, what are the long term effects of urethral stricture? The long-term effects on the patients differ based on who got treatment and who did not get treatment, so yes, there are long-term effects of urethral strictures. But how can you safely navigate and deal with them? And is it safe for you to live with strictures? Let’s answer all these questions.

Long-Term Effects of Urethral Strictures

Urethral stricture treatment is still limited in its ways because surgical procedures in your urinary tract are a cause of strictures and are also the only treatment for them. So, without perfect luck, you are practically doing the same thing again that can cause your strictures to come back by taking treatment. However, the risks can be averted with close medical monitoring and the careful following of post-operative care instructions. Other than that, you can also take care of your health and make lifestyle changes that redirect your risk of getting this condition. But what are the long-term damages of urethral strictures? They affect you most if you don’t get treatment for your condition, and they can severely affect your health.

• Permanent Bladder Damage
  
  Permanent bladder damage is common and one of the first long-term effects you are likely to have if you don’t get treatment for urethral strictures. This condition results in the patient not being able to hold their urine causing leaking and accidental wetting. The urgency at which you need to urinate very much and your ability to stop it reduces significantly. So, overall, urinary retention due to permanent bladder damage can be a major effect of urethral stricture on your body for both men and women.
   
• Urinary Tract Infections
  
  UTIs are a common side effect of urethral stricture disease, but they can constantly reoccur if you don’t get the necessary treatment or even as a long-term effect of urethral strictures after getting treatment. Urinary tract infections can have a serious effect on your immunity and getting the necessary treatment for urethral strictures is sometimes the only way to stop them from coming back. In cases where the infections are recurring even after urethral stricture treatment, doctors will try to diagnose any other underlying cause for the infections in most cases.
   
• Kidney Damage
  
  This is one of the most serious long-term effects of urethral strictures as it can cause total kidney failure over time, which can cause the patient’s death. The effects of urethral stricture on your kidneys start with the body not being able to expel urine in the body completely. This can lead to recurrent UTIs, which can affect your kidneys negatively even causing kidney failure. You can also get kidney stones from the accumulation of uric acid in your urinary tract from the residual urine in your system. All these conditions are very serious and can lead to catastrophic health problems if not taken seriously at the right time.
   
• Blood In Your Urine
  
  Having blood in your urine is bad for the patient’s health in innumerable ways. Even if the blood is present only as an effect of the urethral stricture, it goes to show that the stricture has reached an advanced stage and requires immediate medical treatment. Not to mention, blood in the urine is accompanied by pain during urination and can even lead to inflammation of the urethra. Getting treatment in such cases is required to understand the cause of the blood in your urine. Once the cause is confirmed, doctors can treat it, and try their best to rid you of your symptoms.

How Do You Navigate The Long-Term Effects of Urethral Strictures?

The only thing you have in your control is to be cooperative and candid with your doctor. The best way to manage this symptom and to stay ahead of the long-term effects is to get medical help at the earliest. Keep track of your symptoms and talk to your doctors about them to ensure you can get treatment at an early stage of the condition. Similarly, if you are worried about any of the side effects of the surgical procedures, discuss that with your doctor and they will be able to help you navigate your fears. And lastly, follow their instructions carefully and attend the follow-up meets to ensure you are on the path to a safe recovery.

Is It Safe For You To Live With Urethral Stricture?

No, it is not safe for you to live with urethral stricture because of the long-term effects it can have on your health. Plus, getting the treatment for this condition is not very difficult as well. All you need to do is visit an experienced medical institution like MASSH. Speak to the doctors there and tell them your symptoms and concerns. And that’s it. The rest will be taken care of by the doctors and our excellent team of experts. So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today and get the treatment you need for urethral stricture.