[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Pelvis · Female](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) › Urethra (female) [Urinary system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/urinary-system/) · [Pelvis · Female](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) # Urethra (female) The female urethra is the short tube, about 4 cm, that carries urine from the bladder to the outside; its shortness makes bladder infections common in women. Official name: Female urethra [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=pelvis&variant=female&select=female_urethra&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A short tube, about 4 cm long, from the bladder to the vestibule, embedded in the front wall of the vagina. ## What it does Carries urine out; its sphincters keep it closed between voids. ## Key points - Beyond its short length, sexual activity and the fall in oestrogen after menopause also raise the risk of urinary tract infection - Stress incontinence: when the support beneath it (the anterior vaginal wall hammock) or its sphincter weakens, it leaks as abdominal pressure rises - Urethral diverticulum: classic triad of painful urination, dribbling after voiding and pain with intercourse ## Key facts **Where** About 4 cm from the bladder neck down and forward, embedded in the anterior vaginal wall, to the external orifice in the vestibule **Blood supply** Internal pudendal and vaginal arteries; inferior vesical branches **Nerve** Vesical plexus (autonomic); [pudendal nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pudendal-nerve/) (external sphincter, sensation) **Function** Conveys urine; continence by the internal (smooth) and external (striated) sphincters and the support of the anterior vaginal wall ## Relations **Behind** The anterior wall of the [vagina](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vagina/), to which it is fused along most of its length **In front** The [pubic symphysis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pubic-symphysis/), the pubourethral ligaments and the venous plexus behind the pubis **Lateral** The [external urethral sphincter](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/female-external-urethral-sphincter/) and compressor urethrae around its middle third; the medial edges of [levator ani](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/levator-ani/) beside it **Course** From the internal urethral orifice at the bladder neck it runs down and forward through the pelvic floor and the [perineal membrane](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/perineal-membrane/), opening in the vestibule in front of the vaginal orifice ## How to find it The external orifice is seen in the vestibule, between the glans of the [clitoris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clitoris/) in front and the vaginal orifice behind. After menopause it may sit higher, just inside the vaginal opening, which can make catheterisation harder. ## Examination - Cotton-swab test: a swab in the urethra swings through a large angle on straining, indicating urethral hypermobility - Pressing along the anterior vaginal wall: pus or fluid from the meatus suggests a urethral diverticulum or infected paraurethral glands ## On imaging Transperineal ultrasound and MRI show the urethra, its sphincter and any diverticulum; MRI is the best test for a diverticulum. Voiding cystourethrography shows it filling during voiding. ## Common problems - Its short length makes bladder infections more common than in men. - Stress urinary incontinence when its support weakens. ## How it is diagnosed Urine tests; examination with a cough test; urodynamics in some cases. ## Treatment - Pelvic floor training; a mid-urethral sling for stress incontinence. ## Clinical notes - Catheterisation is easier than in the male because it is short and straight, though the meatus can be mistaken for the vaginal orifice - Urethral injury from trauma is much rarer than in men; when it happens it usually comes with a pelvic fracture and often a vaginal tear ## Development Comes from the urogenital sinus. The paraurethral (Skene) glands that open beside the meatus are the homologue of the [prostate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/prostate/). ## Related conditions - [Urinary tract infection (acute cystitis)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) - [Trichomoniasis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/trichomoniasis/) - [Stress urinary incontinence](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/stress-urinary-incontinence/) - [Gonorrhoea](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/gonorrhoea/) - [Chlamydia infection](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/chlamydia-infection/) - [Catheter-associated urinary tract infection](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/catheter-associated-urinary-tract-infection/) - [Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (atrophic vaginitis)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Why are urinary tract infections more common in women than in men? The female urethra is short (about 4 cm); sexual activity and falling oestrogen after menopause also raise the risk. ## What does a positive cotton-swab test show? Urethral hypermobility: a swab in the urethra swings through a large angle on straining. ## What causes stress incontinence through the female urethra? Weakening of the support beneath it (the anterior vaginal wall hammock) or of its sphincter, so it leaks as abdominal pressure rises. ## Why can catheterisation of the female urethra be harder after menopause? The meatus may sit higher, just inside the vaginal opening, and can be mistaken for the vaginal orifice. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/female-urethra/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** urethra feminina TA2 3426 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Uretra femenina DeCS D014521 **English (TA2)** Female urethra **Also called** urethra muliebris ## Related - [Urinary bladder](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/urinary-bladder/) - [Vestibule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vestibule-of-vagina/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14919); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sphincter Urethrae](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482438/); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Bladder](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531465/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/female-urethra/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/female-urethra/