It results from irritation of the urethral opening at the end of the penis , which leads to tissue growth and scarring across the opening. The condition is most common in circumcised males and seldom occurs in uncircumcised males. The most common sign is an extremely narrow, almost needle-fine spray of urine rather than a full stream. Back pressure may result in discomfort with urination and occasionally there may be slight bleeding at the end of urination.
Meatal stenosis is uncommon in uncircumcised males.
In a recently circumcised male infant, maintaining a clean dry diaper and avoiding any type of diaper irritation usually prevents meatal stenosis. Testing is not necessary. Surgical widening of the urethral opening can be done under local anesthetic as a minor surgical procedure. Expect normal function following surgery. Untreated, there may be discomfort with urination and some bleeding with urination.