The most common cause of obstruction is a
urethral plug, which
consists of mineral crystals (e.g., struvite, calcium oxalate), white blood cells, red blood cells, protein (mucus), and epithelial cells.5 The underlying cause of
urethral plugs is unknown; however,
plugs have been linked to struvite crystalluria — suggesting that diet may play a role — and idiopathic cystitis.6 Other causes of
urethral obstruction include
urethral edema and spasm associated with lower urinary tract inflammation and pain.7 Uroliths, neoplasms, and
urethral strictures can also lead to
urethral obstruction; however, they are reported less frequently than other causes.5