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OverviewWhat is ureteral obstruction?A ureteral obstruction is a blockage in one or both of your ureters. Ureters are the tubes that carry pee from your kidneys to your bladder. Many different conditions and diseases can cause a blockage in your ureters...
Diagnosis and TestsHow is it diagnosed?If you suspect you have ureteral obstruction, you should see your healthcare provider. Some of the signs of a blocked ureter are like symptoms of other conditions that need treatment, such as urinary tract infections, having abdominal pain or not being able to...
Management and TreatmentHow do you treat a ureteral obstruction?The treatment you receive depends on the reason for the blockage. First, your healthcare provider will perform a procedure to allow the pee to drain from your body. These procedures include:Inserting a ureteral stent: Healthcare provi...
PreventionHow can you prevent ureteral obstruction?There isn’t anything you can do to prevent ureteral obstruction, especially when the cause is congenital (something that’s there at birth). Sometimes, managing other conditions can decrease your risk of a ureteral obstruction. You can take step...
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have this condition?The outlook for ureteral obstruction depends on whether your kidneys were damaged while pee was unable to drain. If your healthcare provider fixes the blockage before serious kidney damage occurs, ureteral obstruction doesn’t usually h...
Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider?If you have signs of ureteral obstruction, you should call your healthcare provider right away. Symptoms may be mild at first but can get worse quickly and be very serious. ...
Additional Common QuestionsCan you still pee with a blocked ureter?Yes, you may still be able to pee with a blocked ureter. It depends on how severe the blockage is. A note from Cleveland ClinicIt’s important for pee to leave your body because it’s a type of waste...