This mucus helps protect the epithelium against damage from corrosive urine. The female urethra is significantly shorter than the male urethra. This means that females often have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections UTIs. Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethra. Urethritis sometimes develops in response to a recent urinary procedure or placement of a catheter. Bacteria can spread from the anus to the urethra, especially if you wipe back to front after going to the bathroom.
In addition, sexually transmitted infections STIs can cause urethritis. These include:. If a surgery or catheter placement is causing urethritis, it usually resolves on its own over time. However, urethritis due to an infection requires treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medication. Sometimes the urethra narrows or becomes blocked. This is known as urethral stricture. Males are more likely to develop urethral stricture because of their longer urethras, but it can affect females as well.
An injury often causes urethral stricture, such as an accident or surgery. Infections, including STIs, can also cause it. Urethral cancer is one of the rarer types of cancer. It can rapidly spread to surrounding tissues in the bladder and vagina. It may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, urethral cancer can eventually result in:. Risk factors include:.
Treatment for urethral cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of all three. Urethral syndrome is a condition that causes symptoms similar to those of a UTI.
The main symptom of urethral syndrome is chronic pain in the pelvis and urinary tract. In some cases, the pain is constant. In others, certain things, including exercise, allergies, or exposure to irritants, can trigger it. Exercise or physical therapy programs may be helpful in treating urethral syndrome. Avoiding scented soaps, perfumes, or bath oils may also help.
For urethral syndrome linked to allergies or food sensitivities, eliminating the following may relieve symptoms:. A urethral caruncle is a benign mass found in the urethra, usually occurring after menopause. However, some people might notice pain when urinating or bleeding from the urethra. Large urethral caruncles can be surgically removed. Otherwise, topical anti-inflammatories or estrogen creams can help. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they last for more than a day or two.
Drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria and other pathogens from the urinary tract. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water every day. Cranberries and blueberries may prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. They also contain vitamin C, which results in more acidic urine. Avoid wiping back to front after going to the bathroom.
Doing so can spread bacteria from your anal area to your urethra. See your doctor for regular Pap smears , pelvic exams , and STI tests. These can all help identify STIs and some cancers earlier. The earlier a condition is diagnosed, the easier they are to treat. Use protection , such as condoms, when having sex.
Make sure to ask new sexual partners about their STI history. Stay away from scented sprays, douches, or other personal care products. These can irritate the urethra. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. Wearing loose garments and breathable cotton underwear helps remove extra moisture. The vagina is one of the most important and versatile structures in the female reproductive system.
The uterine venous plexus includes two uterine veins. These arise from the side of the uterus, where they also connect with the vaginal and ovarian….
The vaginal vein refers to the group of blood vessels located near the genitalia on the female human body. They are part of a network of blood vessels…. The ovarian artery is unique to female anatomy, as it is part of a woman's reproductive system. This blood vessel relays oxygen-rich blood to the…. The cervix of the uterus, also known as the cervix or uterine cervix, attaches the vagina to the uterus.
A venous plexus is complex network of interconnected blood vessels. The vaginal venous plexus is comprised of small veins on the sides of the vagina…. When you see your vagina, look a little bit up. Your urethral opening sits above your vagina but below your clitoris. A closed system catheter lets you drain into a urine collection bag. You can recline anywhere and use a mirror to help you see your urethra clearly.
One of the most common catheterization complications is the occurrence of UTIs. But what is UTI and how do you avoid it? A urinary tract infection occurs when the urethra is infected by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which can travel upwards to infect the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Women are much more prone to getting UTIs than men. Adult women are found to be 30 times more likely than adult males to get a UTI. Coli, which resides in the colon and moves to the anal area after bowel movements.
People who use catheters are at an increased risk for UTIs. Catheter-associated UTIs happen when people practice incorrect catheterization techniques. Therefore, consider using a pre-lubricated, non-touch catheter for quick, hygienic catheterization. You can also wash your genitals with soap and water. Be sure to clean the urethral opening in particular. Chronic incomplete drainage of the bladder can lead to the development of bladder stones and UTIs.
After the catheter has reached the bladder, you will notice that urine starts flowing out. To ensure complete drainage, insert 2 inches deeper and wait till all fluid has drained to slowly pull the catheter out by an inch.
Wait till all fluid drains and pull out another inch. Repeat until no fluid remains and you have removed the catheter. If you are using a straight catheter, you can also rotate it a little bit to get complete drainage. On another note, some studies have found that taking cranberry supplements not drinking cranberry juice can lower your chance of getting a UTI. Cranberry capsules work instead of juice because capsules are highly concentrated whereas juice is not. If the catheter is not sliding in, do not force it!
Forcing the catheter can injure your urethra, resulting in hematuria blood in urine , urethral strictures , and the creation of a false passage. Instead, remove the catheter and try again later with a new one. If you still cannot get it to insert and your bladder is full, you should go to the emergency room.
We have mentioned before that UTIs are caused by microbiome —bacteria, viruses, fungi. Studies have shown that silicone oil has anti-microbial properties studies 1 , 2 , 3.
Coli, and silicone oil is also found to kill and suppress the growth of E. The catheters are designed to fit seamlessly in your life and give you one less thing to worry about. Toggle navigation.
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