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Your kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from your blood. The urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder in two thin tubes called ureters.

The ureters are about 8 to 10 inches long. Muscles in the ureter walls tighten and relax to force urine down and away from the kidneys. Small amounts of urine flow from the ureters into the bladder about every 10 to 15 seconds.

Sometimes the ureters can become blocked or injured. This can block the flow of urine to the bladder. If urine stands still or backs up the ureter, you may get a urinary tract infections.

Doctors diagnose problems with the ureters using different tests. These include urine tests, x-rays, and examination of the ureter with a scope called a cystoscope. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. It may include medicines and, in severe cases, surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Symptoms of Ureteral Disorders

The following features are indicative of Ureteral Disorders:
  • persistent urge to urinate
  • burning sensation when urinating
  • passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • cloudy urine
  • red, bright pink or cola-colored urine
  • strong-smelling urine
  • pelvic pain in women
  • changes in the amount of urine produced
  • difficulty urinating
  • blood in the urine
  • repeated urinary tract infections
  • hypertension
It is possible that Ureteral Disorders shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Ureteral Disorders

The following are the most common causes of Ureteral Disorders:
  • bacteria infection in urinary tract
  • Infection of the bladder
  • abnormal connection between the ureter and kidney
  • retroperitoneal fibrosis
  • ureteral stones
  • severe constipation

Other Causes of Ureteral Disorders

The following are the less common causes of Ureteral Disorders:
  • cancerous tumors
  • non cancerous tumors
  • internal tissue growth
  • long-term swelling of the ureter wall

Risk Factors for Ureteral Disorders

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Ureteral Disorders:
  • female anatomy
  • birth control pills use
  • menopause
  • urinary tract abnormalities
  • blockages in the urinary tract
  • catheter use

Prevention of Ureteral Disorders

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Ureteral Disorders. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • drinking plenty of liquids
  • wipe from front to back after urinating and after a bowel movement
  • empty your bladder soon after intercourse
  • avoid potentially irritating feminine products
  • change your birth control method

Occurrence of Ureteral Disorders

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Ureteral Disorders cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Ureteral Disorders most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-35 years

Common Gender

Ureteral Disorders can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Ureteral Disorders

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Ureteral Disorders:
  • Urine sample analysis: To look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria
  • Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab: To see which bacteria are causing infection
  • Imaging test: To see the urinary tract
  • Blood tests: To check for signs of infection and the presence of creatinine
  • Retroperitoneal ultrasound: To view the kidneys and ureters
  • Voiding cystourethrogram: To test for abnormal urine flow
  • Renal nuclear scan: To evaluate the urinary system
  • Cystoscopy: To see inside the urethra and bladder
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan: To create cross-sectional images of kidneys, ureter and bladder
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To create detailed images of the organs and tissues that make up urinary system

Doctor for Diagnosis of Ureteral Disorders

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Ureteral Disorders:
  • Urologist
  • Nephrologist
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of Ureteral Disorders if untreated

Yes, Ureteral Disorders causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Ureteral Disorders is left untreated:
  • recurrent infections
  • permanent kidney damage
  • urethral narrowing in men
  • sepsis

Procedures for Treatment of Ureteral Disorders

The following procedures are used to treat Ureteral Disorders:
  • Percutaneous nephrostomy: To remove urine from body and temporarily relieve the problems caused by a blockage
  • Endoscopic surgery: Helps treating the condition
  • Open surgery: To treat the condition
  • Laparoscopic surgery: To treat the condition
  • Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery: To treat the condition

Self-care for Ureteral Disorders

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Ureteral Disorders:
  • Drink plenty of water: Helps in diluting the urine and flush out bacteria
  • Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder: Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks that tend to aggravate the frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Use a heating pad: Minimize the bladder pressure or discomfort

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Ureteral Disorders

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Ureteral Disorders:
  • Intake cranberry juice: May treat or prevent infection

Time for Treatment of Ureteral Disorders

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Ureteral Disorders to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 week

Is Ureteral Disorders Infectious?

Yes, Ureteral Disorders is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • during sexual activity

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Ureteral Disorders.

Related Topics

Bladder Diseases

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