10 Of The Most Interesting Facts About Urethra - A Urinary Body Part

Gender Disparity in Urethral Length

Did you know the length of urethra significantly varies across genders? Measuring just around 5cm in human females, it runs for the length of 20 cm in males – four times longer!

Dual & Interesting Role of the Urethra in Females

While females use it just for urination, the job of urethra is twofold in males, i.e. urination as well as ejaculation.

Mastering Urinary Control

Composed of a striated muscle, it is the external urethral sphincter which brings urination under your voluntary control.

Role of Electric Signals in Smooth Urination

During urination, mechanical force and electrical signalling in the smooth muscle cells of the urethra work in an organized and unitary fashion to expel the urine outside the body.

Dangerous Types of Urethral Cancer

Dangerous types of urethral cancer may be of 3 different types, such as adenocarcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

The Rarest Form of Urethral Cancer

The rarest form of urethral cancer that can occur in the urethra is more common in females than males. The symptoms include blood in the urine, pain during urination, or a lump in the urethral area.

The Most Common Urethral Disease

UD mean Urethral Diverticulum is the most common infection in women. This is a rare condition where a pouch or pocket forms along the urethra and lead to various symptoms. These infection lead to pain and difficulty emptying the bladder.

The Urethra is Flexible During a Child's Birth

During childbirth, the female urethra temporarily widens and lengthens to make the passage of the baby's head. Surprisingly, this widening usually returns to normal after delivery.

Role of Urethra During Sexual Process

The urethra is rich in sensory nerve endings. They contribute to sexual pleasure and stimulate the urethral area, especially in women. Although, these nerve receptors enhance the sexual experiences.

Urethra Saves Women from Bacterial Infections

The female urethra has its own microbial ecosystem they are beneficial to protect from bacteria in this area. Microbial also helps to maintain a healthy environment and protect against harmful pathogens.

More About Urethra:

What is Urethra

Parts of Urethra

Functions of Urethra

Diseases of Urethra

About the Author

Posted by: M. Isaac / Senior writer

A graduate in biological sciences and a PhD scholar (NCBA&E University, Lahore), M. Isaac combines his vast experience with a keen and critical eye to create practical and inherently engaging content on the human body. His background as a researcher and instructor at a secondary school enables him to best understand the needs of the beginner level learners and the amateur readers and educate them about how their body works, and how they can adopt a healthier lifestyle.