Urethral Obstruction is a medical condition that occurs when there is a blockage in the urethra, which prevents urine from exiting the body. The spelling of this word can be a challenge for some, as it includes multiple silent letters and confusing vowel sounds. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of the word can be broken down into "ju-ˈrē-thrəl ŏb-strŭk-shən". The "u" and "e" in "urethral" create the "ju" sound, while the "o" in "obstruction" is silent.
Urethral obstruction refers to a medical condition in which there is a blockage or obstruction in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to be expelled from the body. It is most commonly observed in males but can also affect females.
The obstruction can be caused by various factors such as the presence of urinary stones, blood clots, scar tissue, urinary tract infections, tumors, or prostate enlargement. In males, a common cause of urethral obstruction is the presence of a bladder stone or an enlarged prostate gland. In females, it can be caused by urethral strictures or inflammation.
Urethral obstruction typically results in urinary retention, preventing the normal flow of urine out of the body. This can lead to a variety of symptoms including difficulty or inability to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, frequent urination, urgency, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, or urinary tract infections. In severe cases, it can cause kidney damage or urinary bladder rupture.
Treatment of urethral obstruction usually involves relieving the blockage and addressing the underlying cause. This may include the use of a urinary catheter to bypass the obstruction, medication to reduce inflammation or infection, procedures to remove stones or scar tissue, or surgery to correct structural abnormalities. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms of urethral obstruction are present, as untreated cases can lead to serious complications.
The word "urethral" comes from the Latin word "urethra", which in turn derives from the Greek word "ourēthra". Both of these words refer to the duct through which urine passes from the bladder to be expelled from the body.
The term "obstruction" comes from the Latin word "obstructio", meaning "blockage" or "hindrance". It is derived from the Latin verb "obstruere", which combines "ob" (meaning "against" or "in the way") and "struere" (meaning "to build" or "to pile up").
Combining these etymologies, "urethral obstruction" refers to a blockage or hindrance within the urethra, which obstructs the normal flow of urine.