The urethral syndrome.

The term urethral syndrome reflects irritation in the external urethral (striated) sphincter. The cause of this condition may be as much poor voiding habits as it is infection or trauma. Treatment principles therefore involve retraining the voiding mechanism, as well as the judicious use of antibiotics, skeletal muscle relaxants, and an alpha-blocker. Neurostimulation has been used successfully to relieve symptoms in occasional refractory cases.