Stress Incontinence - Overview

A basic understanding of the organs and functions of the genitourinary system is essential before knowing about the disorders affecting the same. In most of the cases, urinary and reproductive system problems often co-exist. It would therefore be better if both can be diagnosed and treated at the same time. Hence, knowledge of the reproductive system is also essential.

It is so fascinating to know how the urinary system gets rid of the waste products from the body. The main organs of the urinary system are the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

The kidneys are the organs that produce urine by filtering the blood flowing through them. A normal individual has 2 kidneys, one on either side of the abdomen. There are 2 ureters, thin tube like structures leading away from each kidney that carry the urine from the kidney into the urinary bladder. The urinary bladder acts as a reservoir or a bag of urine. It is also responsible for emptying the urine. Last, but not the least is the urethra, which is a tube through which the urine is taken out from the body. The length of the urethra in females is only 4 cm whereas in males it is approximately 19-20 cm long.