In females, the urethra opens in the vulva between the clitoris and the vaginal opening and is about 1-1.5 inches long. In males, the urethra opens at the end of the penis and is about 8 inches long. The external [urethral sphincter]? is the skeletal muscle that allows you voluntary control over urination (micturition?).
Hypospadias? is a form of abnormal development of the urethra in the male, where the opening is not quite where it should be (it occurs lower than normal in hypospadias). A chordee is when the urethra develops between the penis and the scrotum?.
Infection of the urethra is urethritis, said to be more common in females than males. Urethritis is a common cause of dysuria? (pain when urinating).
See also Vulvovaginal health
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