Urethral stricture is the narrowing of the urethra due to scarring. It is more common in men due to the presence of a long urethra. Women and children may rarely be affected by stricture. The urethra is a tube that carries urine to the bladder through the penis. It expels the urine from the urethral meatus. The urethral meatus is an opening which is present at the tip of the penis during urination. The urethra is naturally wide enough to allow the free flow of urine. Due to the presence of ureteral stricture, urinary flow is restricted.

Urethral stricture has a positive outcome when addressed at an early stage. It is a treatable condition. However, it is known to be a recurring condition which may require surgical intervention. Multiple procedures may cause the formation of scar tissue which tends to recur. Homeopathic remedies for urethral stricture work as supportive therapy to treat the problem from the root cause.

Role of homeopathy in urethral stricture

Homeopathic treatment for urethral stricture prevents the need for recurrent surgeries. Due to the natural healing process, the urethra undergoes stricture formation post-surgery leading to narrowing of the urethra. Homeopathy works to prevent scarring and promotes natural healing.

Six homeopathic medicines in urethral stricture

Clematis erecta

Common name: Clematis leatherflower

Clematis is indicated to relieve urethral construction. It is suited in cases of a feeble stream of urine with slow passage of urine. This remedy is suggested for straining which is required to initiate the urine flow. The bladder does not clear completely. The flow of urine starts then stops and starts again several times with an interrupted urine stream. There is a sensation of constricted feeling in the urethra while passing urine. The person has burning in the urethra with increased frequency of urine.

Chimaphila umbellata

Common name: Prince’s pine

Chimaphila umb. is suggested in cases of thin and split urine stream which require excessive straining to pass. The urine is passed in less quantity with increased frequency. There is a need to empty the bladder when standing with feet set wide apart, and the body stooped forward. There is frequent urging to urinate every 1 hour. The individual complains of severe cutting and burning pain in the lower abdomen while passing urine.

Thiosinamium

Common name: Allylthiourea

Thiosinamium is recommended for urethral stricture associated with scar tissue formation due to any cause. This remedy can dissolve scar tissue and stimulate urine flow. There is pain while passing urine and increased frequency at night. It is indicated for urethral injury due to surgical intervention. Multiple urethral stricture surgeries having no relief are indicative of this remedy.

Cantharis vesicatoria

Common name: Spanish fly

Cantharis is indicated for urinary trouble associated with urethral stricture. There is pain and extreme burning while passing urine. The burning pain may even start before urination and continue post-urination. Urine may pass drop by drop with constant urge to pass urine which is present throughout the day. It is recommended for various kinds of urinary problems such as retention of urine and post-void urine. It helps in managing the frequency of urine and addresses the issue of recurrent UTIs.

Conium maculatum

Common name: Poison hemlock

Conium is mainly suited for urethral stricture resulting in an intermittent stream of urine. The flow starts slow and tends to dribble at the end of urination. The entire act of urination is time-consuming. The urine flow starts and stops intermittently with repetitive processes. There is marked burning pain after urination. Along with this, there is also pressure and fullness in the lower abdomen. It helps in addressing the control over urine due to increased frequency and urgency. This remedy is indicated when the patient has in an urgency to pass urine with a weak stream of urination. It is also suggested in cases of benign enlargement of the prostate and UTIs (recurrent urinary tract infections) associated with urethral stricture symptoms.

Cannabis sativa

Common name: Hemp

Cannabis is mainly suited for urination in split streams. There is a need for major straining to pass urine. The patient also has fullness in the lower abdomen with pressure. Dribbling of urine occurs after urine flow stops. There is a weak flow of urine with reduced flow. Burning in the urethra occurs while urinating with pain in the abdomen.

Take Homeopathy Treatment for Your Health Conditions

Causative factors of urethral stricture

The formation of the scar tissue in the urethra is the main causative factor. This results in the narrowing of the urethral opening making urine difficult to flow. Any form of inflammation, injury, or infection occurs way before stricture becomes noticeable. The recurrent need for operative procedures to dilate the urethra may also trigger urethral narrowing.

  • Chronic inflammation of the urethra
  • Urethral injury
  • Recurrent urinary tract infection
  • Injury to the penis, urethra, or scrotum
  • Prostate and bladder cancer
  • Circumcision procedure of children
  • Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia
  • Placement of catheters or instruments in the urethra during surgery
  • Multiple operative procedures for urethral dilation
  • Extensive damage due to surgical tools
  • Pelvic fractures
  • Radiation therapy
  • Benign enlargement of the prostate
  • Infection due to insertion of catheter

Symptoms of urethral stricture

  • Straining to urinate
  • Pain during urination or dysuria
  • Burning micturition
  • Urinary retention
  • Backflow of the urine
  • Bloody or dark urine
  • Blood in semen
  • Slow or decreased urine stream
  • Urine stream spraying
  • Pain on urination
  • Lower abdomen pain and fullness
  • Urethral leaking
  • UTI infection in men
  • Swelling of penis
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Kidney stones due to retention of urine
  • Hydronephrosis and kidney inflammation
  • Reduced eGFR of the kidneys with poor kidney function
  • Acute urinary retention with inability to urinate which is a serious medical condition

Treatment options for urethral stricture

  • Dilation procedure with urethral dilation with dilator
  • Operative procedure with internal urethrotomy
  • Surgical options with urethral reconstruction
  • Open surgery with reconnection and reconstruction by urethroplasty
  • Placing instruments such as a cystoscope or urethral catheter with special tools to open the area of blockage
  • Insertion of urethral stent
  • Urine flow diversion
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
  • Conservative treatment with antibiotics to treat recurrent UTIs and prostatitis
  • 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors medicines to improve the urinary flow
  • Homeopathy and ayurvedic medicines to help prevent scar formation

Lifestyle modifications of urethral stricture

  • Anti-inflammatory diet to control inflammatory mediators.
  • Perform activities like meditation and yoga to control and relax muscles.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Consume antioxidant-rich foods with omega-3 3-fatty acids to fight against oxidative free radicals.
  • Hydrate with plenty of fluids.
  • Practice kegel exercises to help strengthen pelvic muscles.
  • Avoid pelvic injuries which can damage the urethra.
  • Use lubricating jelly while handling the catheter.
  • Use barrier protection during sexual activity to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
  • Routine check-up and blood tests for UTI infections.

Conclusion

Urethral stricture is a painful and discomforting issue. Preventing a urethral stricture is not possible on its own. It is recommended to take appropriate measures with conventional treatment, homeopathic medicines, and lifestyle changes which can help in reducing the symptoms of urethral stricture. Urethral stricture can recur even after treatment and surgical intervention. Homeopathy helps in providing holistic solutions for symptomatic relief.

References