Urethra Closing Is Rare, But Jimmy Kimmel Brings It To Light

With Jimmy Kimmel’s announcement at SXSW that he had two surgeries to repair a closed urethra, the late night talk show host is bringing this rare condition to light.

Justin Han, MD, physician at the Smith Institute for Urology in New Hyde Park, said urethra closing is very rare and occurs in about two percent of people. The symptoms of this ailment include: urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating, weak stream, straining and feeling as if you can’t empty your bladder.

“Some of these symptoms, in older men, can also be signs of an enlarged prostate,” Dr. Han said. “But in younger men, these symptoms are something to be aware of and cause to seek medical help.”

Treatment for this typically requires surgery, which is either an outpatient procedure or something that requires a short hospital stay, Dr. Han explained. Men should seek treatment for this and other similar issues as soon as they can to prevent potential complications such as kidney dysfunction and an extremely weakened bladder.

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