Which term describes an obstruction of the urethra?

• A. Urethratresia
• B. Urethral stricture
• C. Ureterostenosis
• D. Urethrocele

Answer: (A)

An obstruction of the urethra is most commonly described by the term urethral stricture, which means a narrowing of the urethral lumen that impedes urine flow. This narrowing is usually due to scar tissue from inflammation, infection, trauma, or instrumentation, and it reduces the size of the passage, leading to a weaker or interrupted stream and potentially urinary retention. Urethral atresia, on the other hand, refers to a congenital closure or absence of the urethral opening, a complete blockage rather than a narrowed passage. The other terms refer to issues outside the urethra (ureterostenosis) or to a prolapse of the urethral wall (urethrocele), not primarily to obstruction. So, the typical term for an urethral obstruction is urethral stricture, with urethral atresia describing a complete congenital blockage.