---
title: "Ectopic Ureter"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/ectopic-ureter/
description: "Most of us are born with 2 ureters, the tube that drains the urine from each kidney into the bladder."
---

# Ectopic Ureter

Most of us are born with 2 ureters, the tube that drains the urine from each kidney into the bladder.

Archived from the 2022 edition

## Overview

But some babies are born with 2 ureters that drain a single kidney. In these cases, one ureter drains the upper part of the kidney and the second ureter drains the lower part of the kidney. As long as they both enter the bladder, this extra ureter is usually not a problem.

But if a child is born with a ureter that does not connect with the bladder, it can drain somewhere outside the bladder. This is called an ectopic ureter. In girls, the ectopic ureter can drain into the urethra (the tube leading out of the bladder that we use to pee out of) or even the vagina. In boys, it often drains into the urethra near the prostate or into the sex organs.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- Causes
- Symptoms
- Incontinence
- Swelling
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
- Diagnosis
- Ultrasound
- Bladder X-ray (Voiding Cystourethrogram, or VCUG)
- Renal Flow Scan (MAG-3 or DMSA) or Magnetic Resonance Urogram

## Other entries in Kidney Cancer and Stones

- [Adrenal Gland Cancers](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/adrenal-gland-cancers/)
- [Adrenal Mass](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/adrenal-mass/)
- [Antegrade Pyelography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/antegrade-pyelography/)
- [Conn's Syndrome](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/conns-syndrome/)
- [Cushing's Syndrome](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cushings-syndrome/)
- [Ectopic Kidney](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/ectopic-kidney/)
- [Extrinsic Obstruction of the Ureter](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/extrinsic-obstruction-of-the-ureter/)
- [Horseshoe Kidney (Renal Fusion)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/h/horseshoe-kidney-(renal-fusion)/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/e/ectopic-ureter/**
- Edition**2022 edition**
- Group**Kidney Cancer and Stones**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

### Related topics

- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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