Overview
To make a diagnosis, your care team talks to you about your symptoms and your medical history. They give
you a physical exam. In addition, you may need a number of tests to determine the cause, location and length
of the urethral stricture. These tests may include:
Retrograde urethrogram. This uses X-ray images to check for a structural problem or injury of the
urethra. It also looks to see how long the stricture is and where it is in the urethra.
Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging exam looks to see whether your pubic bone and
rectum are affected. It typically is used when there is scar tissue in the posterior urethra. Common reasons
for this scar tissue include pelvic fracture, radiation and surgery to remove the prostate.
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG). This uses X-ray images to check for a structural problem or injury of the urethra. It also looks to see how long the stricture is and where it is in the urethra while voiding.