The urethra is one of the parts of the male and female reproductive system. It is the passage between the bladder and the outer part of the body, which allows urine to be expelled from the body. In the following article, we will learn what is the length and diameter of the urethra? What are the diseases that may affect him?

What is the urethra?

The urethra is a thin tube that connects to the bladder, and it is called in English (Urethra), but Where is the urethra located in men?

The male urethra is divided into three parts:

• Prostatic urethra: It starts at the neck of the bladder and is located in the prostate. This is usually the widest part of the urethra, and then connects to the membranous urethra.
• membranous urethra: Which is the narrowest part of the urethra, and it is surrounded by the sphincter muscle, which helps in holding urine until the time of urination.
• Spongy urethra: It forms the lower part of the urethra with many subdivisions such as the penile urethra, which is the longest part of the urethra, extending to the tip of the penis, where urine and semen are excreted.

As for The urethra in a woman It is more visible in men, as it starts at the bladder, passes through the pelvic floor and sphincter, and then opens into the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus).

There are three layers of the urethra in women, and they are:

• muscular
• erect (erectile).
• Mucous.

Within the mucous layer are glands, which can produce a watery substance during sexual arousal similar to the urethra.

blood supply

It is divided according to gender. In men, each part of the urethra contains its own arteries to help with blood flow. In the case of:

• Prostatic urethra: It depends on the inferior vesical artery, which is in the pelvis near the bottom of the bladder.
• membranous urethra: It uses the bulbourethral artery, which is located in the penis.
• Spongy urethra: It uses the pudendal artery located inside the pelvis.

In women, the blood flow originates from the internal pudendal artery.

urethral length;

• The female urethra is short, about 1.5 inches long, and the distance to be covered is less.
• While the urethra in men is longer, it may reach a length of 7 or 8 inches; Because it extends the length of the penis.

What is the function of the urethral orifice?

The main responsibility of the urethra is to allow urine to pass from the bladder to the outside of the body, and this is done by neurotransmitters that reach the bladder from the brain; The sphincter muscle relaxes at the time of pressure, and urine is excreted through the urethra.

In addition, sperm is transported through the urethra in the event of ejaculation, by the nerves of the spinal cord, the vas deferens, the seminal vesicles, and the prostate working together; To close the opening of the bladder and move semen down the penis and through the urethra.

diseases of the urethra;

Some of the following disorders and diseases of the urethra may occur:

1. Urethritis

It is the most common condition of the urethra, and unlike a urinary tract infection, it may be caused by a bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, that causes swelling and pain in the urethra (urethra).

A urinary tract infection causes an infection of the urinary tract as a whole, which can be the result of a defect in the urethra as a urinary tract problem.

2. Other diseases

They include:

• Urethral cancer.
• Urethral strictures: narrowing of the urethral tube, as a result of the presence of fibrosis.
• Urethral diverticulum: A pouch or sac that forms along the urethra and can fill with urine, causing pain while urinating.

The causes of urethral disorders in men may be due to several reasons, including: skin diseases, benign prostatic hyperplasia, epididymitis, and even certain medications or foods.

Women may suffer from urethral disorders, due to:

• Use of certain products, such as soaps and cosmetics.
• bacterial vaginosis;
• intercourse.
• Amenorrhea can lead to urethral prolapse in severe cases.

Treatment of urethral disorders may depend on assessing the patient’s general health condition, knowing his age, and lifestyle. In addition to having one or more diagnostic tests; To determine the exact cause of the pain, and whether it affects the urethra directly or indirectly.

Urethral examination procedures

The following diagnostic tests include:

• Urinalysis.
• Urethral discharge culture: This procedure is done in men only, by inserting a cotton swab at the tip of the urethra (through the opening of the penis); To determine if there is an infection.
• Urethral ultrasound: the abdominal area is photographed; To diagnose any problems with the urethra.
• Cystoscopy.