Urethral stricture: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help if you cannot pass urine at all and have significant lower abdominal pain.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice if you can pass only a few drops despite a strong need to urinate, particularly if your lower abdomen is becoming painful or swollen.

   Fever, chills, vomiting, confusion, or feeling very unwell alongside difficulty urinating also requires urgent assessment because infection and blockage can occur together.

   Seek prompt help if a catheter stops draining, falls out, or is associated with worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or large blood clots.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if you develop a persistently weak or spraying stream, need to strain, take much longer to urinate, or repeatedly feel that your bladder has not emptied.

   Recurrent urinary infections, blood in the urine, or steadily worsening symptoms also need assessment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Urethral stricture. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.