urinate

Urinate is the act of expelling urine from the bladder through the urethra. In medical terminology, the process is called micturition. Urination is a key function of the urinary system, enabling removal of waste products and helping regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.

Urine is produced by the kidneys and transported to the bladder via the ureters. The bladder stores urine until it is convenient to void. Micturition is initiated when the bladder becomes sufficiently full; stretch receptors trigger a reflex that causes the detrusor muscle to contract. The internal urethral sphincter relaxes, and the external sphincter is controlled voluntarily, allowing urination to be timed and carried out. The process is coordinated by neural pathways that integrate autonomic and somatic control, typically involving the pontine micturition center in the brain.

In adults, normal urination occurs several times per day, commonly about six to eight voids, with variation based on fluid intake and individual biology. The male urethra is longer and also passes through the reproductive tract, whereas the female urethra is shorter and opens in front of the vaginal opening. Urination can be affected by infections, stones, or bladder dysfunction, among other conditions.

Common issues include urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, urgency, nocturia, and hematuria. Persistent changes in urination, significant pain, fever, or blood in the urine warrant medical evaluation to diagnose infection, stone disease, or other conditions.