Urethra

The urethra is a tube-like structure in the human body that serves as a passageway for urine to exit the body from the bladder. In individuals with penises, the urethra also functions as a conduit for semen during ejaculation. This dual-purpose canal runs through the length of the penis in males, while in females, it's a shorter tube located between the clitoris and the vaginal opening.

Additional Information

The length and function of the urethra differ between sexes. In people with penises, it's typically about 8 inches (20 cm) long and runs through the prostate gland and penis. In people with vulvas, it's much shorter, usually around 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. The female urethra's opening is separate from the vaginal opening, though they are close together.

The urethra plays a crucial role in sexual health and function. In males, it's involved in both urination and ejaculation, controlled by the internal and external sphincter muscles. In females, some believe stimulation of the area around the urethra (often called the U-spot) can be pleasurable during sexual activity.