A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by injury, instrumentation, infection and certain non-infectious forms of urethritis. Signs and symptoms The hallmark sign of urethral stricture is a weak urinary stream. Other symptoms include: Splaying of the urinary stream Urinary frequency Urinary urgency Straining to urinate Pain during urination Urinary tract infection Prostatitis Inability to completely empty the bladder.