The urethra in women. Urethra (Urethra) - What is it?

Few people know what the female urethra is. The urethra is the urethra, the last link in the system for removing urine from the body. It has its own structural features:

small length (about 3–5 cm);
wide diameter at the moment of stretching;
narrowed areas;
one enlargement near the bladder;
secreting glands.

The urethra is located in front of the vagina and passes through the muscles located in the pelvic floor. The muscle corset at the exit from the urethra is slightly weakened.

The urethra performs the following functions:

removal of accumulated urine from the bladder;
muscle toning to create a reservoir;
erogenous zone.

Many people think that this is a simple pipe and do not take it seriously. This is an erroneous opinion, since diseases of the urethra in women can lead to a disorder of the reflex functioning system, which can have a significant negative impact on intimate life.

Why does urethral disease occur?

Urethritis is divided into 2 main types:

non-infectious origin;
caused by infectious agents.

Diseases of non-infectious origin occur:

in case of mechanical damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane by stones, the movement of which is characterized by urolithiasis;
injury from a cystoscope, catheter, etc.;
allergies;
malignant tumors;
diseases of the genital organs;
venous stagnation in the pelvic organs.

Infectious diseases arise as a result of pathogens entering the body through sexual contact:

gonococci;
chlamydia;
mycoplasmas;
herpes viruses.

Factors contributing to the development of urethritis

It is clear that the disease develops for certain reasons and in connection with certain pathogens, but there are a number of factors contributing to the development of this disease:

severe cold in the body;
injuries of the reproductive system;
constant stress and suffering from serious illnesses;
poor nutrition;
bad habits, especially alcohol abuse;

lack of vitamins;
chronic form of diseases of the respiratory tract, reproductive system and oral cavity;
diseases of the urinary system;
period of pregnancy or menopause;
neglect of hygiene rules.

Routes of infection

There are 3 ways by which infectious pathogens enter the urethra:

contact, which occurs during the body’s transportation of urine from the kidney, where the epicenter of the infection is located, to the bladder;
sexual – in the process of intimacy with a sick partner;
hematogenous - the infection enters from inflammatory foci of chronic diseases through the blood circulation.

Urethritis is classified according to the nature of its distribution:

primary - develops if an infectious bacterium enters the urethra;
secondary - pathogenic microbes enter during the blood circulation from the pelvic organs, intestines or other location of the chronic focus.

Main symptoms of the disease

Signs of the development of the disease can be very diverse. The clinical picture of the disease is represented by acute and chronic forms.

The acute form manifests itself when the incubation period passes from the moment the pathogen enters.

The following sensations arise:

the appearance of sharp pain at the time of urination;
the occurrence of burning and itching at the exit of the urethra;
the appearance of discharge with a mucous or purulent structure;
bad smell.

In case of allergies, in parallel with the above symptoms, the following are observed:

difficulty breathing associated with nasal congestion;
rash on the skin;
lacrimation;
the appearance of shortness of breath.

Upon examination, the urologist may detect a low degree of swelling of the mucous membrane, redness of all tissues that surround the urethra.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose the disease, it is necessary to conduct a urine test. This is done using the three-glass test method. Morning urine is collected in turn into 3 sterile containers. It is important to remember that the presence of a disease such as urethritis is determined by 1 portion of urine.

Typically, the following result is achieved:

The first portion of urine has a cloudy structure. It contains a large number of leukocytes, since there is an inflammatory process in the cavity of the urethra.
The second portion contains much fewer leukocytes.
In the third portion they are completely absent.

The material obtained from the urethra for research is analyzed by bacterial culture, and the degree of sensitivity of the flora to antibiotics is also determined. If the case is complex, then specialists use polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With its help, it is possible to determine the type of pathogen by DNA, even with a latent course of the disease. For analysis, a tissue sample is taken from the wall of the urinary canal using a probe. This is a very difficult procedure, since the female urethra is very small. This method is necessary in order to detect herpetic or chlamydial urethritis.

To perform ureteroscopy, local anesthesia is used.

Often, specialists will prescribe antibiotics a week before the procedure to prevent further spread of the infection.

Using ultrasound, you can determine cystitis and identify disease in the pelvic organs.

There is also a radiopaque examination using voiding cystourethrography. The introduction of a contrast agent into the cavity of the bladder makes it possible to take photographs. Using these images, you can detect poor patency, neoplasms, adhesions and similar defects. Women must undergo examination by a gynecologist. This is necessary to exclude inflammatory diseases of the cervix and genital organs.

Treatment used

Despite the fact that it brings a woman very uncomfortable and painful sensations, there is no need for treatment in a hospital setting. The mild form of the disease is treated on an outpatient basis.

Initially, you should undergo an examination prescribed by a specialist. During the examination, you can determine the cause of the disease, the type of pathogen, and select the most suitable, effective anti-inflammatory drug. When infection occurs through sexual contact, not only the woman, but also her sexual partner should be treated.

it is important to avoid intimacy until complete recovery;
limit physical activity as much as possible;
prevent hypothermia of the feet;
eat right, or rather: exclude salty, spicy, smoked foods and, of course, alcoholic drinks from the diet;
regulate the amount of fluid consumed: throughout the day you need to drink about two liters of water in the absence of diseases associated with fluid retention in the body;
Eat fermented milk and more fruits and vegetables every day.

As for drug treatment, doctors prescribe the use of a wide variety of drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect, prescribe injections, tablets, vaginal suppositories, douching, etc.

The antibiotic must be taken for 5 to 10 days. The exact dosage is determined by the doctor, taking into account the degree of the inflammatory process, body weight, and age of the patient.

Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. It is especially contraindicated to use antibiotics longer than prescribed, since microorganisms develop resistance to the drug, and then the medicine does not have the desired effect.

Treatment tactics are determined by the type of pathogen:

for a disease caused by a fungus, antifungal drugs are prescribed;
if the disease appears due to mycoplasmas, use drugs of the imidazole group.

To enhance the effect of medications, experts recommend using them in the form of suppositories. Due to the fact that the suppositories are injected directly into the area of inflammation, their composition is completely absorbed by the pelvic vessels. Thus, there is an anti-inflammatory effect on nearby organs.

In addition to potassium permanganate, you can use a decoction of herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Douching with antiseptic agents is recommended.

Treatment of urethritis with traditional methods

Traditional methods are not as effective as they should be. That is why experts insist on drug therapy. Despite this, there are some herbs that complement the action of the drugs, and such complex treatment can achieve success. For this purpose, herbs and plants that have diuretic, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic effects are used.

The following should be consumed when eating:

lingonberry, carrot or cranberry juice, free of sugar and preservatives;
from fresh herbs - parsley, as well as beets;
decoction of parsley, linden, cornflowers, black currants.

Ways to prevent the disease

It will take a lot of time and effort. It is also important to say that this disease brings very unpleasant painful sensations. In order to avoid this, you need to take preventative measures. In the process of prevention, all possible sources of pathogen entry into the body are completely eliminated. Thus:

It is important to pay attention to the health of your sexual partner and avoid unprotected sexual contact.
It is necessary to strictly observe all the rules of personal hygiene, constantly wash yourself using light disinfectants.

You should not use hygiene products containing alcohol, soap, or components that cause severe irritation of the urethra.
Eliminate from the diet all foods that lead to irritation of the urinary organs. These products include smoked meats, spicy and salty dishes.
You should dress warmly (according to the weather) to prevent hypothermia of the body, especially the legs. It is necessary to wear clothes that do not restrict the waist and abdomen, as this leads to slow blood circulation in the pelvic area.
All emerging diseases should be treated with the utmost seriousness and treated promptly to prevent them from becoming chronic.

Despite the fact that a disease such as urethritis is not considered a fatal disease, it can greatly affect a woman’s health, seriously compromising it. Constant discomfort associated with itching and pain causes severe irritability, insomnia, and negatively affects ability to work. It is better to do everything in a timely manner to prevent the disease than to experience all the negativity of urethritis and treat it for a long time. When the first signs of the disease appear, you should seek help from a specialist as soon as possible.

Urethra (urethra) is part of the woman's urinary system and the man's urinary and reproductive systems.

In men, the 20 cm long urethra is located both in the pelvis and inside the penis, and opens into an external opening on the glans. Anatomically, the following sections of the male urethra are distinguished:
(1) external opening;
(2) scaphoid fossa;
(3) penile;
(4) bulbous;
(5) membranous;
(6) prostatic (proximal and distal areas).

Figure taken from www.urologyhealth.org

The prostatic urethra passes through the prostate and is divided into proximal and distal parts at the level of the seminal tubercle. In the proximal part of the prostatic urethra, the excretory ducts of the prostatic glands open at the orifices along the posterolateral surfaces. On the sides of the seminal tubercle are the mouths of the right and left ejaculatory ducts, through which sperm enters the lumen of the urethra from the seminal vesicles and vas deferens. In the distal part of the prostatic part and in the membranous part of the urethra there are elements of the urethral sphincter. Starting from the bulbar region, the urethra passes inside the corpus spongiosum of the penis. The bulbar region is located inside the bulb of the corpus spongiosum. In the membranous and bulbar sections, the urethra bends anteriorly upward. In the penile region, the urethra is located medially along the ventral surface of the penis downward from the cavernous bodies. The capitate part of the urethra is located inside the head of the penis. The inner surface of the male and female urethra is covered with mucous membrane (transitional epithelium, with the exception of a short area near the external opening, where there is flat non-keratinizing epithelium).

The main functions of the urethra in a man

carrying urine out of the bladder;
carrying sperm out during ejaculation (ejaculation);
participation in the mechanism of urinary continence.

The most common diseases of the urethra

Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) often due to sexually transmitted infections (gonococci, chlamydia, ureoplasma, etc.);
(narrowing of the lumen) of the urethra in its various parts (due to formation: congenital, traumatic and inflammatory origin);
Anomalies of urethral development: the most common is hypospadias (the location of the external opening of the urethra on the ventral surface of the penis is more proximal than the apex of the glans).

The urethra or urethra refers to the excretory organs as well as the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

In simple terms, it is a tube that is intended for the removal of urine in women, and for the release of urine and sperm in men.

We’ll talk further about what this organ is, what it consists of, and how it functions.

Similarities and differences

The human urethra, or urinary tract, is a tubular organ that runs from the bladder to the external genitalia. In men and women, it differs in its structure and colonization by microflora.

The organ in both sexes resembles a soft, elastic tube.
Its walls consist of 3 layers:

In men, the urinary tract passes through the penis to the outlet and serves to drain urine and release ejaculate during orgasm. In women, it goes from the bladder to the external opening, which is located between the clitoris and vagina, and is needed only for the removal of urine.

The external urethral sphincter is formed as paired muscles. It compresses part of the urethra. In the female body, these muscles are attached to the vaginal area and are capable of compressing it.

The muscles of the urethra in men are connected to the prostate. The internal sphincter has a fairly strong muscle located near the exit from the bladder.

Microflora in the organ

The channel for excreting urine in representatives of different sexes differs in microflora. Immediately after the birth of a child, various microorganisms enter his skin. They gradually penetrate into the body and settle on the mucous membranes and internal organs.

Bacteria cannot penetrate further than the mucous membranes; this process is hampered by the internal secretions of the body, urine, and ciliated epithelium, so they become attached to them. Pathogenic organisms that remain on the mucous membranes become the innate human microflora.

The female urethral mucosa contains several times more bacteria than the male urethral mucosa. It is dominated by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. They produce acid, creating an acidic environment. If there are few bacteria, then the acidic environment is replaced by an alkaline one, which allows inflammatory processes to develop.

As we grow older, the beneficial microflora in the female urethra becomes coccal. The microflora of the male urethra is represented by streptococci, corynebacteria, and staphylococci; it does not change throughout life.

The composition of the microflora may change depending on the large number of sexual partners. Frequently changing partners introduces dangerous microbes into the body that can cause serious illness.

Men's channel

The male urethra during the embryonic period is similar to the female one, as it consists of the same structures. And once formed, it begins to differ significantly, becomes longer and smaller in diameter, is located inside the penis, and its functions, in addition to urine output, also include ejaculation.

The redistribution of these functions of the male body completely depends on the degree of filling with blood of the cavernous bodies and spongy body, which surround the male urethra. With erection, the blood supply to the penis occurs, ejaculation occurs, and in the absence of blood supply to the penis, the process of urination occurs.

The male urinary canal has a length of 18-22 cm. In a state of excitement, the length becomes a third longer, in boys before puberty it is a third less.

The urethra in men is divided into posterior (the distance from the internal opening to the beginning of the corpus cavernosum) and anterior (the remotely located part of the canal).

It has two bends in the shape of the letter S:

The upper (infrapubic) bend bends around the pubic symphysis (half-joint) from below as it passes from top to bottom of the membranous part of the urethra into the cavernous one.
The lower one (prepubic, prepubic) is located at the point of its transition from the fixed part of the urethra to the mobile one.

When the penis is raised, both curves form one common one, the concavity of which is directed forward and upward.
Throughout its entire length, the male urethra is not the same in lumen diameter; narrow parts alternate with wide ones.

The extensions are located in the prostatic, bulbous part and at the end of the urethral canal (where the scaphoid notch is located). The narrowings are located at the internal opening of the urinary canal, in the area of the urogenital diaphragm, at the external opening of the urethra.

Conventionally, the male urethra is divided into 3 parts:

Prostatic(prostatic). It has a length of 0.5-1.5 cm. It consists of tubules for ejaculate release and 2 ducts (prostatic and sperm excretory).
Sponginous(spongy). The urethral part is located along the penis in its lower part and has a length of 13-16 cm.
Cavernous(membranous). The longest section of the male urethra, the length of which is approximately 20 cm. The spongy section contains ducts of numerous small tubules. It is located deep in the perineum, passes through the urogenital diaphragm, which has a muscular sphincter.

The male urethra originates from the urinary sac. Smoothly moving into the prostate area, it crosses this gland and ends at the head of the penis, where urine and seminal fluid come out.
The average size of the urethral lumen in men along its entire length is 4-7 mm, in boys 3-6 mm.

Female urinary tube

The female urethra is an anteriorly directed, straight tube passing close to the elastic vaginal wall and pubic bone. Its length is 4.8-5 cm, and its diameter is 10 - 15 mm, while it is easily stretched.

Inside, the urinary canal is lined with a mucous membrane, which has the appearance of longitudinal folds, due to which the urethral lumen appears smaller. In the female urethra there is a special obstructing pad consisting of connective tissue, veins, and elastic threads. It closes the duct of the urinary canal.

The female urethra does not perform reproductive functions, although substances are excreted through it, which can be used to determine whether a woman is pregnant or not. The female urethra is surrounded by tissues that are similar in structure to the corpus spongiosum of the penis, and the corpus cavernosum of the clitoris, which is similar to the corpus cavernosum of the penis, is located in front of the urethra.

The urethra itself is hidden in the tissues of the pelvis and therefore does not have mobility. Its anterior surface is adjacent to the tissues that cover the pubic symphysis, and in distant places to the legs of the clitoris. The posterior surface of the external urethral outlet is adjacent to the anterior wall of the vagina.

It is closely connected to the anterior wall of the vagina and is firmly attached to the lower branches of the pubic bones, as well as partially to the ischial bones.

Since it is short and wide in women, located next to the vagina and anus, the danger of bacteria, microbes and other pathogenic microflora entering it is much higher in women than in men. Therefore, they are more susceptible to genitourinary infections.

External hole

In the male half of humanity, the main part of the urethra passes inside the penis, and the outlet is located at the top of its head. If it is not there, such a violation is called. If there is partial or complete clefting of the anterior wall of the urethra, the disorder is called.

The external urethral canal in the fair sex is located between the clitoris (slightly below it by about 3 mm) and the entrance to the vagina.

The location of the external opening may vary. If the lower wall is underdeveloped, it will be located on the anterior wall of the vagina, distant from the entrance.

This process is called hypospadias. The outer hole has a diameter of approximately 0.5 cm, its shape can be round or star-shaped.

Functions of the urethra

The organ performs not exactly the same functions in representatives of different sexes. The urethra in the fair sex is intended exclusively for holding urine in the bladder and removing it from the body. It has no other functions.

The male urethra has 3 functions:

Retains urine in the bladder. This process occurs due to the internal and external sphincters, which close the urethra. When the bladder is half full, the internal sphincter plays a big role. When the bladder overflows, the external sphincter comes into play.
Removing urine from the body. If there is more than 250 ml of urine in the bladder, a man has the urge to go to the toilet. At the same time, the muscles of the external sphincter relax, and under the influence of the contractile actions of the bladder and abdominal wall, urine begins to come out. It is released with great force at first, and then the stream becomes weaker and shorter.
Release of seminal fluid during orgasm. The internal sphincter contracts, causing the seminal mound to swell, the prostate muscles to contract, and the external sphincter muscles to relax. The ejaculate is ejected in shocks due to the contractile movements of the seminiferous mounds, prostate muscles, ejaculatory duct, and contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles.

The urethra is an organ of the human urinary system designed to remove fluids from the human body.

Although in men and women it differs in structure, location, and functions, representatives of both sexes need to monitor the health of the urethra, because problems with it can significantly complicate life.

The urethra, or in other words the male or female urethra, is a kind of organ formed like a tube. The channel is adjacent to the bladder area. The peculiarity of the urethra is that in women it serves to remove urine from the body (from the cavity of the bladder), in representatives of the stronger sex the urethra serves to remove sperm to the outside, and to remove urine.

The structural features of the urethra in women and men are slightly different. If the balance of microflora on its mucous membrane or tissues is disturbed, an inflammatory process may develop.

Features of the structure of the male urethra

The urethra of the stronger sex is formed in the form of a bend. It resembles the Latin letter S. The first bend is called the subpubic curve, it is located closer to the bladder. Its other name is (subpubic or prostatic). The part in question in men is located in the place where the tissues (membranous) become cavernous. The canal curves downwards, going around the symphysis of the pubis. In this place, the concavity itself is directed upward, where the opposite part of the organ is located in the form of the internal opening of the urethra.

The second bend is the lower prepubic. This part of the urethra is called the prepubic. It is located at the transition point between the fixed part and the moving part. This location is located at the root of the male reproductive organ. In the place where the subpubic bend is located, a kind of knee is formed.

The male urethra is designed to remove sperm (when expelled) and urine (from the urinary cavity) from the body. If we give more precise dimensions, the diameter of the urethral canal is 4–8 mm. At a younger age – 3–5 mm. The innervation of the channel can be afferent or efferent.

As for the size of the lumen of the organ in question, it comes in different sizes, depending on the structural features of the body. There are peculiar narrowings in the inner part of the urethra: at the site of the urogenital diaphragm and at the exit from the outside. There is also an expansion of part of the channel. They are located in the area of the prostate and bulbous parts.

The blood supply to the urethral canal comes from the arteries, through their branches. It is worth noting that the vessels are located in the form of a wide arterial network that works with anastomosis. The veins that arise from the membranous parts, closer to the area, enter the plexus veins in the pelvic area. The blood supply to the organ also comes from the vessels of the back of the penis.

Features of the female urethra

The location of the urethral meatus in a woman’s body is between the clitoris and the vaginal opening. The canal runs 25–28 mm below the clitoris. The peculiarity of the location relative to the pubic symphysis is the same as in men with a slight downward slope.

The structure and functions of the urethra in women are slightly different from those in men in their location, shape and length. It is slightly smaller, comparable to the length of the male urethra. The length of a woman's urethra is 48–51 mm. Everything is explained by the structural features of the reproductive organs of different sexes.

The female urethra has a blood supply, which is carried out using internal arteries in the direction from the iliac vessels. The entry of the veins passes through the region of the vesical venous plexuses into the place of the internal iliac veins.

There is a place in the female urethra where it is surrounded by sphincter tissue, at the site of the fascia of the diaphragm. The functionality of a woman's urethra is only to remove urine from the bladder.

How does the sphincter work?

In the body, the external urethral sphincter has its own characteristics. It is formed as paired muscles. It is capable of compressing part of the urethral canal. In the female body, muscles are attached to the vaginal area and are able to compress it. As for the muscles of the male urethra, they are connected to an organ such as the prostate. It is worth noting that the diameter of the external opening in men and women is slightly different, but it has nothing to do with the sphincter.

When considering the internal sphincter, it has a fairly powerful muscular system, which is located near the outlet of the bladder.

If a woman’s body is completely healthy, then her microflora (Doderlein flora) consists of lactobacilli. The vaginal flora also contains saprophytic and epidermal staphylococci. In addition, peptostreptococci (5%) and bifidumbacteria (10%) are present in her urethral canal and microflora. The described combinations are present in the urethra of a healthy woman’s body; if there is some kind of side infection, then the microflora is slightly different, it all depends on the hidden pathological process.

The peculiarity of the microflora that the male urethra has is that it remains unchanged throughout life. Immediately after birth, two types of staphylococci can be detected in the baby (epidermal and saprophytic). It is worth noting that microorganisms are located in the first 4–5 cm, relative to the outside of the canal. If you move further into the urethra, its microflora will be neutral (indications of a neutral alkaline reaction during research).

Pathologies of the urethra

The urethra in women has a serious connection with the functioning of the entire reproductive system as a whole. This can be explained by the fact that all organs are connected and located close to each other, while having a common blood supply.

According to the research of doctors and scientists, it can be said that with such a close connection, not only general functionality occurs, but also diseases.

Disorders and diseases of the urethra manifest themselves in the form of:

urethritis;
STD;
balanoposthitis;

balanitis;
epispadias;
vulvitis;
postitis;
hypospadias.

When a pathological process appears in which the epithelial layer is affected. Often, such symptoms are striking, which in most cases are observed in men, especially during urination and sexual intercourse. When considering cases of the appearance of this pathological process in women, this disease occurs much less frequently, and its manifestations are not so pronounced. It is worth noting that the functions of a woman’s urethra depend on age.

Vulvitis can develop in the female body. This is provoked by poor external hygiene and improper adherence to its rules. This disease affects part of the vagina and urethral canal. In a more advanced form, the genital and urinary organs are more extensively covered.

Epispadias are classified as pathologies that disrupt the development of the urethra, as well as hypostage. The second disease affects boys almost immediately after birth, but the first can affect children, both male and female.

It happens that during operations, a catheter is often installed in the area of the urethral canal, which is required to remove fluid. Its location is in the inner part of the urethra. But, if this device is worn for quite a long time, it threatens to damage the upper epithelial layer. To avoid suppuration and inflammation, the tube is removed only under the supervision of an experienced specialist.

The paraurethral glands in both men and women are located on the posterior walls of the organ. They are also capable of undergoing inflammatory damage. At this time, symptoms may occur that resemble cystitis or urethritis. To avoid abscesses, contacting a doctor when trouble occurs is a necessity. With a healthy urethra, the usefulness of the genitourinary system is guaranteed.

Symptoms of urethritis and similar diseases

The most common indicators of urethritis are difficulty urinating, as well as discomfort during sexual intercourse. Other, no less obvious symptoms that characterize this disease are peculiar (purulent discharge). This is evidence of the presence of gonococcal infections (gonorrhea). If the discharge has a transparent consistency, then this is evidence that there is no gonococcus infection in the urethral canal.

Diagnostic actions in relation to urethritis are carried out through examination by a specialist (pay attention to the external canal). The condition of the reproductive organs is also determined and taken in order to carry out a qualitative differentiation of the pathological process.

It is worth noting that it is not easy to diagnose the presence at the first stage, since its manifestations are practically absent. An infected representative of the fair sex may not experience any comfort at all, and discharge may not occur.

Summarizing

An organ such as the urethra is important for both men and women. But it is often subject to inflammatory lesions. Infection in the male urethra varies. It is important to monitor this and not let it happen, as this can lead to many complications in the form of sexually transmitted diseases.

Diseases are different, and their consequences are also different. It is important to seek help from specialists in a timely manner, as well as to observe the rules of hygiene in everyday life. It will not hurt to use contraception during sexual intercourse. If all the rules and recommendations of experts are followed correctly, then no problems will arise in the future.

The urethra (urethra) is an elastic tube responsible for removing urine from the bladder to the outside. In women it is much shorter and wider than in men (3–4 cm long and 1.5 cm wide versus 16–22 cm and 8 mm, respectively). The internal opening of the urethra extends from the bladder, and the canal, passing through the urogenital diaphragm, ends in the vestibule of the vagina with the external opening of the urethra. The hole has a round shape. It is surrounded by hard, roll-like edges. The urethra fuses with the anterior wall of the vagina and runs parallel to it. At the external entrance, the opening of the urethra is narrowed, and at the internal entrance it is widened and has a funnel shape.

Around the canal there is connective tissue, the density of which varies (in the lower sections it is the densest). The wall of the urethra itself consists of muscle and mucous membrane. The muscularis propria consists of an outer, circular layer of smooth muscle and elastic fibers. The mucous membrane is covered with epithelium, which has several layers.

The condition of the urethra can be assessed by a gynecologist during an examination.

Diseases of the urethra in women

The most common disease of the urethra in women is urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). It manifests itself as burning, stinging and pain in the urethra during urination or without any connection with it.

The disease can affect any woman if she is exposed to a number of dangerous factors. Among them, one should especially highlight hypothermia, sexual hyperactivity leading to microtrauma of the urethra, unhealthy diet (excessive consumption of spicy, sour, fried foods and alcohol), disorders of the vaginal microflora and gynecological diseases, kidney diseases (urolithiasis), weak immunity, mechanical damage during medical procedures (catheterization, smear), pathogenic effects of toxic agents and radiation factors.

Female urethritis develops, starting with temporary exacerbations of the disease. Manifestations can vary in strength - from mild discomfort to severe cutting pain. Usually, quite a lot of time passes between exacerbations, and women are in no hurry to see a doctor. But this is a huge mistake, because after a while the pain and burning sensation will come more often, and the effect of antibiotics will become less effective. The most severe stage of female urethritis is constant pain in the urethra.

What causes this unpleasant and dangerous disease? Most often these are some gynecological diseases associated with a violation of the vaginal microflora. This disorder (dysbiosis) can be caused by sexually transmitted infections, among which the most common are chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, etc. But, in addition to them, the disease can also develop under the influence of streptococci and other bacteria.

Urethritis can lead to various complications: when inflammation spreads to the bladder, cystitis develops, and if the infection goes further, it can also affect the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis. Chronic urethritis often causes deformation of the urethra, which prevents the normal excretion of urine.

Treatment of the urethra in women

Treatment of inflammation of the urethra in women involves therapy to restore the properties of the urethral wall, normal vaginal microflora and strengthening the immune system. For this purpose, antibiotics, immunomodulators, etc. are used.

Urethritis is quite difficult to treat, but preventive measures to help prevent this disease are quite simple. It is necessary to avoid severe hypothermia, dress according to the weather, observe the rules of intimate hygiene and use contraceptives. It is also important to eat properly and on time, to prevent constipation in every possible way and to avoid stress.

Expert editor: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich| Doctor of Medical Sciences general practitioner

Education: Moscow Medical Institute named after. I. M. Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".