US Medical Term · anatomy
Urethra
Uretra
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Urethra |
| Spanish (Español) | Uretra |
| Chinese (中文) | 尿道 |
| Korean (한국어) | 요도 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Niệu đạo |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Uretra |
| Portuguese (Português) | Uretra |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ท่อปัสสาวะ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 尿道 |
What it means
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In women, it is short (about 1.5 inches) and opens just above the vaginal opening. In men, it is much longer (about 8 inches) and passes through the prostate and the length of the penis, also serving as the passage for semen. Because the female urethra is shorter, women are more prone to urinary tract infections. Common problems include infections, narrowing of the tube (stricture), and inflammation. Burning or pain when urinating is often a sign of urethral or bladder infection. Your doctor may do a urine test or scope to check.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have burning pain when I urinate — my doctor thinks it may be the urethra.
Tengo ardor al orinar — el médico cree que puede ser la uretra.
The doctor wants to check if my urethra is narrowed or blocked.
El médico quiere verificar si la uretra está estrecha o bloqueada.
I have discharge and pain in the urethra area — what could it be?
Tengo secreción y dolor en el área de la uretra — ¿qué podría ser?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026