title: How Men Manage Bulbar Urethral Stricture by Concealing Urinary Symptoms.
abstract: In this article, we present findings from research conducted as part of a multi-center surgical trial. Bulbar urethral stricture, a narrowing of the middle urethra, is a common cause of urinary problems in men that can have a profound impact on their lives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 19 men seeking treatment for urethral stricture. The findings reveal how men tend to develop routines and tactics to adapt to their symptoms and hide them from others rather than seek help. We argue that this concealment becomes an inseparable part of how the disease is managed and is an additional hidden practical and emotional burden for these men. In addition, we suggest that the patients only sought curative treatments once practices of social concealment are no longer viable.
authors.affiliation: Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK paul.whybrow@ncl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Whybrow
authors.affiliation: Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rapley
authors.affiliation: Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pickard
authors.affiliation: Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hrisos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D030881:Disclosure; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000523:psychology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: gender; health experiences; health seeking; illness and disease; men’s health; sensitive topics; symptom management