Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Iatrogenic Injury Recapitulated: Electroexcision Technique for Urethral Stricture Modeling in Rats
Published on: October 11, 2024
[Drug therapy of urethral diseases]
1Département d'urologie, transplantation rénale et andrologie, CHU Rangueil, TSA 50032, 31059 Toulouse, France.
Aim:
To describe drugs targeting urethra and prostate to treat dysfunctions such LUTS related to BPH, primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO), detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) or sphincter deficiency (SD).
Method:
Pubmed search for efficacy, mode of action and side effects for each molecule. Additional data were searched from the French regulatory agencies web sites (HAS and ANSM).
Results:
To treat LUTS related to BPH alpha-blockers (AB) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) have a clearer efficacy than plant extract. Daily Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) alone or in association with AB also demonstrate efficacy in this indication. AB are an option in PBNO and DSD related to multiple sclerosis. Although Botulinum toxin A derived molecules decrease urethral pressure in patient with DSD related to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, efficiency remains to be demonstrated. Duloxetine a serotonin reuptake inhibitor increases urethral sphincter pressure and reduce stress urinary incontinence in women and men. Nevertheless, moderate efficacy combine with frequent side effects lead French regulation agency to reject its agreement.
Conclusion:
Armamenterium to treat urethral dysfunctions has recently increases. Two new therapeutic classes emerge: PDE5Is to treat LUTS related to BPH and an SRIs (Duloxetine) to treat stress urinary incontinence. Efficacy and safety evaluation of all the possible associations between drugs targeting urethra and/or bladder is needed to a subtler and more efficient pharmacologic modulation of lower urinary tract dysfunction.
More Related Videos
03:55Urethroplasty with Pedicled Tunica Vaginalis for the Treatment of Long-segment Anterior Urethral Stricture Caused by Lichen Sclerosus of Glans Penis
Published on: October 18, 2024
03:51Author Spotlight: Advanced Treatment of Seminal Duct Blockage Employing Endoscopy-Mediated Semen Channel Refluviation
Published on: December 8, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Urethra
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management