In both men and women, the urology system is the part of the body that deals with urination. It doesn’t take a doctor to know that the urology-related anatomy of men and women look very different, at least from the outside. However, internally, they are similar—the kidneys of both men and women, for example, look and function the same for both genders. But we also differ in some ways, too—women have much shorter urethras (the tube that connects your bladder to the outside world) and therefore are at greater risk ofbladder infections.
The Kidneys
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The urology system starts with thekidneys. Most people are born with two that are located in the back of the abdominal cavity just above the waist and along the spinal column. In adults, each kidney is fist-sized and shaped like a bean.
The kidneys also:
The UretersScience Picture Co / Getty ImagesUrine exits the kidney through a long narrow tube called the ureter. The ureter exits into the bladder. It is in this ureter where kidney stones can get stuck. During pregnancy, the fetus can obstruct the ureter since it is located close to the growing fetus.
The Ureters
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Urine exits the kidney through a long narrow tube called the ureter. The ureter exits into the bladder. It is in this ureter where kidney stones can get stuck. During pregnancy, the fetus can obstruct the ureter since it is located close to the growing fetus.
The Bladder
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The bladder’s main job is to hold urine. As it gets full, you begin to feel the need to urinate. When you urinate, the smooth muscle of the bladder walls contract, releasing the urine.
In women, the bladder sits on top of the front wall of thevagina. As women age, the bladder can fall or slip out of place (cystocele) because the vaginal wall or the surrounding pelvic muscle may sag with time.
Childbirth also loosens the vaginal wall. In some women, the bladder may prolapse, meaning it is no longer supported and falls into the vagina. Aprolapsed bladderis also known as cystocele or a fallen bladder.This condition does not affect men, because this is a problem unique tofemale anatomy.
The Urethra
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After urine leaves the bladder, it enters a single urethra, a tube-like structure that extends all the way to the genitals. As you urinate, the bladder contracts and empties urine into the urethra. Then, the urethral sphincter muscle relaxes, and urination occurs.
Female External GenitaliaPIXOLOGICSTUDIO / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesIt can be hard to spot the urethra. In women, it is located between the vagina and the clitoris, and the anus is a few inches away. Another reason women have a higher risk of urinary tract infections than men is because bacteria from fecal matter have a shorter distance to travel up the vaginal orifice and into the urethra.The rest of the external genitalia is not considered part of the urology anatomy since the other structures—such as the vulva and labia—primarily servereproductive functions.
Female External Genitalia
It can be hard to spot the urethra. In women, it is located between the vagina and the clitoris, and the anus is a few inches away. Another reason women have a higher risk of urinary tract infections than men is because bacteria from fecal matter have a shorter distance to travel up the vaginal orifice and into the urethra.
The rest of the external genitalia is not considered part of the urology anatomy since the other structures—such as the vulva and labia—primarily servereproductive functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The urethra is a small hole between the clitoris and vagina. It can be hard to see as it is commonly tucked away under the labial folds. You should never try to insert anything into the urethral opening as it can damage the urethral sphincter causing incontinence.
A prolapsed bladder, also known as a cystocele or fallen bladder, is a condition that only affects women. It occurs when the vaginal walls weaken and the bladder descends into the vagina.
A prolapsed bladder can cause incontinence (stress and urge), straining to void, and pelvic pain. In some cases, a prolapsed bladder can cause tissue to extend out of the opening of the vagina.
The kidneys are two fist-sized organs that are located above the waist, and under the lower ribs on either side of the spine. The kidneys filter the bloodstream and turn waste into urine. The urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until you urinate.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline.Kaufman DP.Physiology, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).StatPearls [Internet].Lamblin G, Delorme E, Cosson M, Rubod C.Cystocele and functional anatomy of the pelvic floor: review and update of the various theories.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(9):1297-305. doi:10.1007/s00192-015-2832-4
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline.Kaufman DP.Physiology, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).StatPearls [Internet].Lamblin G, Delorme E, Cosson M, Rubod C.Cystocele and functional anatomy of the pelvic floor: review and update of the various theories.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(9):1297-305. doi:10.1007/s00192-015-2832-4
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline.Kaufman DP.Physiology, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).StatPearls [Internet].Lamblin G, Delorme E, Cosson M, Rubod C.Cystocele and functional anatomy of the pelvic floor: review and update of the various theories.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(9):1297-305. doi:10.1007/s00192-015-2832-4
American Urological Association.Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline.
Kaufman DP.Physiology, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).StatPearls [Internet].
Lamblin G, Delorme E, Cosson M, Rubod C.Cystocele and functional anatomy of the pelvic floor: review and update of the various theories.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(9):1297-305. doi:10.1007/s00192-015-2832-4
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