What condition is described as a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue?

The condition described as a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue is known as urethral stricture. This occurs when inflammation or injury leads to the formation of scar tissue, which constricts the urethra, making it narrower than normal. Symptoms of urethral stricture can include difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, and urinary retention, among others.

Urethral obstruction refers to any blockage that prevents normal urine flow, which could be caused by various factors, including urethral stricture, but it is a broader term and does not specifically denote the scar tissue aspect. Urethral dilation is a procedure used to treat strictures by widening the urethra but does not describe the condition itself. Lastly, urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra, often due to infection, and does not specifically refer to any structural narrowing caused by scar tissue. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why urethral stricture is the exact term that fits the description of the condition.