Meatal stenosis

Alternative names:

urethral meatal stenosis

Definition:

Narrowing of the opening of the urethra in males.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Meatal stenosis occurs exclusively in males. It results from irritation of the urethral opening at the end of the penis, which leads to tissue growth and scarring across the opening. The condition is most common in circumcised males and seldom occurs in uncircumcised males. The most common sign is an extremely narrow, almost needle-fine spray of urine rather than a full stream. Back pressure may result in discomfort with urination and occasionally there may be slight bleeding at the end of urination.