Meatal Stenosis

Meatal stenosis is scarring at the tip of the penis where urine comes out. This typically occurs in boys who have had circumcision. The thought is that it may be due to irritation from diapers or underwear which causes a reaction to the meatus itself. Natural progression of this scarring can lead to progressive difficulty urinating. However this can also occur in an uncircumcised boy due to repeated balanitis.

If the foreskin is scarred and causing ballooning of the foreskin, usually a trial of steroid cream for 1 month will soften the skin. This can allow opening of the obstructing scar tissue at the head of the penis and the meatus (pee channel).

If the meatus (pee channel) is scarred, this will usually require surgical excision and advancement of fresh urethral tissue to the head of the penis.

If your child has sudden decrease in urinary stream or starts to dribble call my office for an appoint to get this evaluated. Prolong urinary retention can cause back pressure and hurt the kidneys. Especially if it is associated with a urinary tract infection with fever.