The urethra. Below the clitoris, and above the vagina, there is a little hole. This is the end of the urethra, also called the urethral orifice. The urethra is the rube connecting the bladder to the outside, through which you wee. Because it is so close to the vagina it is sometimes rubbed during sexual intercourse. This usually causes no problem, but can occasionally be a way that bugs can get into the bladder and cause urine infections. Even in the absence of infection, the
rubbing can sometimes cause a bit of stinging when weeing after sex.
After menopause, the urethral opening can sometimes become lumpy and inflamed. This is called a “urethral caruncle”, and can cause discomfort or infections.
The bladder. At the other end of the urethra lives the bladder. It is a stretchy bag which collects urine (wee) from the kidneys. The tubes which drain urine from the kidneys into the bladder are called the ureters.
The urine is usually sterile (contains no germs). If bugs do get into the bladder the urine provides a good environment to multiply, and bladder infections may result.
The anus and rectum. The anus is the opening between the bowel (intestine) and the outside skin.
Through it passes faeces (poo). The lining of the anus contains mucus glands, which assist in lubricating the poo as it comes out. There are also strong muscles called sphincters; which hold the contents of the bowel in until it should come out. There is also a collection of veins underneath the anal skin, and when these become swollen (like varicose veins on the leg), they arc known as haemorrhoids. They can become inflamed or bleed. Haemorrhoids are very common in pregnancy, because the pressure of the pregnant uterus puts extra stress on the valves of the veins of the lower bowel and pelvic organs.
The 12 centimetres or so between the anus and the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine) is called the rectum.
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