How does the structure of the male urethra differ from that of the female urethra?

The male urethra is longer, measuring about 20 cm (8 in), and serves dual functions by carrying both urine and semen. In contrast, the female urethra is shorter, approximately 4 cm (1.5 in), and is solely responsible for transporting urine.

The male urethra is significantly longer than the female urethra, which allows it to serve both urinary and reproductive functions by transporting urine and semen. The female urethra, being shorter, is dedicated exclusively to the passage of urine. This structural difference contributes to variations in urinary tract infection susceptibility between genders, as the shorter female urethra facilitates easier access for bacteria.