The male urinary tract is essential for eliminating waste and keeping the body’s fluids in balance. Knowing how it works can help you identify what’s normal, spot problems early on, and take charge of your urinary health with confidence.
In this article, we break down what the male urinary tract is, the organs in this system, and the warning signs to watch out for.
The Male Urinary System & the Organs Involved
Your urinary system, sometimes also referred to as the urinary tract, is a group of organs and one of the body’s essential systems, working to keep you healthy.1,2 In short, it removes waste and extra fluids from the body through urine. It also helps maintain the right balance of fluids and salts so your body can function properly.2
It has four main organs that work together:1
- Kidneys: Filter your blood to remove waste and extra fluids.
- Ureters: Carry urine from each kidney down to the bladder.
- Bladder: Stores urine until you're ready to pee.
- Urethra: Moves urine out of the body.
The Urinary Tract Explained
The male urinary tract anatomy is divided into two parts ― the upper and lower urinary tract.1
Upper urinary tract
This includes the two kidneys and ureters.1 The kidneys sit on either side of your back and help remove waste from your blood while making urine.1,2
Each ureter starts at the back of its kidney and carries the urine down toward the bladder.1 On the way, the right ureter passes behind a part of the small intestine, while the left enters the bladder from the side at an angle.2
Lower urinary tract
This consists of the bladder and urethra, a tube-like organ below the bladder that carries the urine out of the body.1 The bladder is situated in your pelvis and3 temporarily stores urine with the help of the urethral muscles. 1,3
How the Male Urinary System Works
The male urinary system follows a clear path, beginning in the kidneys, where your blood is filtered, and waste is turned into urine.1
So how does one actually pee? Throughout the day, the bladder fills with urine from the kidneys.2 It’s sac-like nature, together with the bladder muscles, allows it to expand easily.2,3 As the bladder fills and stretches, this creates the urge to pee.2
The bladder then sends signals to the spinal cord, and in response, the spinal nerves tell the bladder muscles to contract and the urethral muscles to relax.4 These actions allow the urine to flow through the urethra and out of the body.4
What Affects the Amount of Urine You Produce?
How much urine your kidneys produce affects how often you need to go to the bathroom. Several factors can influence this, like:2
- Water intake
- Certain medications
- Age
- Health conditions like urinary tract infections and diabetes
- Bladder size
- Caffeine and alcohol intake
Male vs. Female Urinary System
Although the male and female urinary systems perform the same basic function, their anatomy isn’t identical.2 The main difference lies in the urethra and the role it plays in the body.2
In men, the urethra is longer and runs through the penis, opening at the tip.2 In women, it’s much shorter and opens just in front of the vagina.2
The male urethra has two purposes.2 In addition to carrying urine, it releases semen during an orgasm.2
Want to know more about how the female urinary tract works? We’ve got an article just for you.
Male Urinary System Dysfunctions
Parts of the urinary system can sometimes develop problems. It’s normal to feel concerned if you notice any symptoms, but your doctor is trained to help you manage them.
The most common bladder-control issue is urinary incontinence,1 and it has a range of causes, including prostate problems.1 It’s so common, in fact, that 1 in 3 men over 40 experience drips and dribbles.
The prostate, a gland which is situated in the pelvic cavity and surrounds the urethra5. It can enlarge with age, which then puts pressure on the urethra and affects urine flow,6 leading to bladder-control problems.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include urgency, nighttime toilet trips, urinary retention, and a weak stream.6
Some other common male urinary issues and their symptoms include:
- Overactive bladder: frequent peeing with strong urges and leaks.7,8
- Kidney stones: bloody urine, painful peeing, and frequent peeing.7
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): burning sensation when peeing, foul-smelling urine, frequent peeing, and leaks.7,8 Urine leaks are uncomfortable, but the good news is that while you get medical treatment, there are also some great exercises you can do that will help you feel more in control.
In summary, let’s take a look at what could indicate that you have a urinary system problem:1
- Changes in your urine color
- How often you feel the need to pee (urgency, or not being able to pee at all)
- Any pain or discomfort when you pee
- Leaking urine before going to the bathroom
- Blood in your pee
That’s the male urinary system explained.
Whether you’re experiencing occasional drips and dribbles or need something more absorbent to help you go confidently about your day, you should explore TENA’s range of incontinence products, designed specifically with the male anatomy in mind.
FAQs
When should I call my doctor if I think I might have a problem with my urinary tract?
When you notice changes in your urinary health, seeing your doctor early could make all the difference. Here are some signs you shouldn’t ignore:9
- Blood in your urine
- Pain or lumps in your testicles
- Pain when peeing
- Difficulty starting or not peeing at all
What does the urethra do?
The urethra is a tube-like organ that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.2 In men, it also releases semen during an orgasm.2
Why does urine come out at different strengths?
While the strength of your urine stream mainly comes from your bladder muscles pushing it out, using your stomach muscles while peeing could also help.10 If there’s a blockage in the urethra or bladder, this could slow down the flow.10
Are male and female bladders different?
Male and female bladders are similar and work the same way.2 The main difference is the urethra: it’s longer in men, opens at the tip of the penis, and in addition to carrying urine, also releases semen.2