Female Urethra - Anatomy, Functions, and Conditions Affecting It

Introduction:

The female ureter is a narrow membranous canal, a part of the renal system, along with the kidney, bladder, and urethra. It is about four centimeters long and extends from the internal to the external urethral orifice. The renal system produces, stores, and eliminates liquid waste from the body through urine. The function of the urethra is to transport urine stored in the bladder out of the body. The urethra is closely connected with the female reproductive organs, so the male and female urethra have different anatomy.

What Is the Anatomy of the Female Urethra?

The female urethra is a highly vascular, four-centimeter-long spongy, cylindrical structure that provides continence. It begins at the bottom of the bladder neck, extends down through the pelvic floor muscles, and terminates at the vaginal vestibule. It is about six millimeters in diameter when undilated. The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, making it have a higher risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The urethra opens into the area between the labia minora called the vestibule. The urethral opening is situated just in front of the vaginal opening. The urethra consists of three layers that are muscular, erectile, and mucous.

• The muscular coat continues with that of the bladder. This layer extends the full length of the tube and has circle fibers.

• The erectile layer is a thin layer of spongy tissues, which contains a plexus of large veins mixed with bundles of muscular fibers. This layer lies immediately beneath the mucous coat.

• The mucous layer is internally continuous with the bladder and externally continuous with the vulva. The layer is lined by a layer of cells called the stratified squamous epithelium. Some glands produce mucus within the urethra. This mucus protects the epithelium from the damage caused by corrosive urine.

What Is the Main Function of the Female Urethra?

The urethra’s main function is to pass urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This is performed when the brain signals the bladder to squeeze and the sphincter muscle to relax to release urine through the urethra.

The same mechanism is used to ejaculate in males, and the sperm is carried out through the urethra. The difference between urination and ejaculation is that men have nerves in the spinal cord, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, and prostate that collaborate in closing the opening of the bladder and moving the semen out of the penis instead of the brain, sphincter muscle, and bladder communicating in females.

What Symptoms Occur if the Urethra Is Affected?

The most common conditions of the urethra include:

• An urgent urge to urinate.

• A feeling of pressure in the abdomen.

• Pain during urination.

• Decreased urine flow.

• Cloudy urine.

• Foul-smelling urine.

• Blood in the urine.

• Pain during sex.

• Pelvic or abdominal pain.

What Conditions Can Affect the Urethra?

The common conditions that affect the urethra are as follows:

Urethritis: Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra, and it is different from a UTI. Urethritis can occur due to the placement of the catheter or as a response to the use of a urinary procedure. It can also occur due to a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Furthermore, bacteria can travel from the anus to the front if the anus is rubbed back after using the restroom. The symptoms can include:

• Increased urge to urinate.

• Blood in the urine.

• Burning sensation while urinating.

• Foul-smelling urine.

• Cloudy urine.

• Pelvic pain.

Urethral Diverticulum: A urethral diverticulum is a pouch or pouch that forms along the length of the urethra. This pocket gets continuously filled with urine while urinating because of its position. This can lead to pain, frequent infections, problems urinating, tender area or mass on the vaginal wall, leaking after urinating, and urinary incontinence. Urethral diverticulum is usually a congenital defect (present from birth), it can also be acquired, but the cause is unknown.

Urethral Stricture: When the urethra narrows or becomes blocked, it is known as urethral stricture. It is prevalent in males due to their long urethra; however, it affects females too. Urethral stricture to the urethra is frequently caused by surgery or an accident. Sexually transmitted infections can also cause it. The symptoms are pain during urination, decreased urine flow, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. It is usually corrected by surgery.

Urethral Cancer: This is one of the rarer types of cancer. It can spread rapidly to the surrounding tissues in the bladder and vagina. Its symptoms do not occur during the early stage. Still, eventually, urethral cancer can cause blood in urine, decreased urine flow, increased need to urinate, and bleeding or discharge from the urethra. The treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of all.

Urethral Caruncle: It is a benign mass found in the urethra after menopause. Normally, it does not show any symptoms. However, a few women may have bleeding from the urethra or painful urination. The exact cause is unknown, but a low estrogen level might be involved. Large urethral caruncles can be removed surgically. In other cases, topical anti-inflammatories or estrogen creams can be used.

What Are the Tests Used to Diagnose Urethra Disorders?

The following are the tests used in diagnosing disorders of the ureter:

• Urinalysis: Microscopic and biochemical examination of the urine can help detect any infections and inflammation.

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound images of the abdominal area will help in diagnosing any issues in the urethra.

• Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urinary opening into the urethra with a live video feed.

How to Maintain a Healthy Urethra?

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps remove bacteria and other pathogens from the urinary tract.

• Wipe Front to Back: Avoid wiping back from the anus to the front after going to the restroom. It can spread bacteria from the anal area to the urethra.

• Urinate After Intercourse: This helps flush out bacteria in or around the urethra.

• Practice Safe Sex: Using protection during intercourse may prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI).

• Eat Foods That Prevent UTIs: Vitamin C-rich foods like cranberries, oranges, and blueberries may prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract lining. This is because it is harder for bacteria to live in acidic environments.

• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from douches, scented sprays, or other personal care products that can irritate the urethra.

• Get Regular Examinations: Regular checkups help identify STIs and cancers earlier.

• Wear Cotton Underwear and Loose-Fitting Clothes: Wearing breathable cotton and loose garments helps remove extra moisture and prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion:

The female urethra is a narrow, spongy, cylindrical tube four centimeters long. Its primary function is to eliminate urine from the bladder to the outside. Many conditions and diseases can affect the ureter and cause symptoms like painful urination, blood in urine, foul-smelling urine, pain in the abdominal area, etc. If any symptoms occur, consult a doctor to rule out the cause.