Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body.

Urethral meatal stenosis

Meatal stenosis can affect both males and females, but it is more common in males.

In males, it is often caused by swelling and irritation (inflammation) after a newborn is circumcised. This leads to abnormal tissue growth and scarring across the opening of the urethra. The problem is usually not found until the child is toilet trained.

In females, this condition is present at birth (congenital). Although less common, metal stenosis may also affect adult women.

Risks include:

• Having multiple endoscopic procedures (cystoscopy)
• Severe, long-term atrophic vaginitis

Images

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Meatal stenosis

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Meatal stenosis Symptoms

Review Date: 09/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)