Ureter and Urethra Conditions and Treatments Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print Urology Academic Practice Back to Urology Academic Practice Leadership Clinical Programs & Services Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Male Infertility & Sexual Dysfunction Kidney Stone Disease General Urology Adrenal Gland Bladder Kidney Penis Prostate Scrotum and Testes Urinary Tract Stones Ureter and Urethra Voiding Dysfunction Transgender Surgery and Health Urologic Oncology Conditions We Treat Diagnosis Locations Patient Guide Academic Practice & Research Ureter and Urethra Conditions and Treatments When the urethra becomes inflamed or blocked from stones, excess tissue or cancer, our specialists are here to help restore your health. What Are the Ureter and Urethra The ureter is a small tube, or duct, that connects the bladder and kidneys. Urine passes through the ureter from the kidneys to the bladder. The urethra is the tubular path that connects the bladder to the body's exterior, allowing urine to exit the body. What Do the Ureter and Urethra Do The ureter and urethra are both important parts of the body's urinary tract system. Urine passes from the kidney through the ureter to the bladder. Then, it passes through the urethra to exit the body. Sometimes, stones, blockages, cancer and other conditions create problems with this part of the urinary tract. Our experts get to the source of the condition that's making it hard for urine to leave the body successfully and painlessly. Ureter and Urethra Conditions We Treat We treat a wide range of conditions in the ureter and urethra. Ureter Conditions Ureter blockages Ureter cancer Urethra Conditions Bladder neck obstruction Epispadias and hypospadias Meatal stenosis Urethral cysts Urethral diverticulum Urethral duplication Urethral fistula Urethral stricture Urethral valves Urinary tract infection (UTI) Urethritis Diagnosis The first step is taking a comprehensive look at your medical history and symptoms. We follow up with several urology tests, including: Urinalysis Urinary Flow Test Imaging Tests Cystoscopy We test your urine for signs of infection or cancer. This test measures the amount and strength of your urine flow. We use sophisticated imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, to get pictures of the ureter and urethra. A thin, flexible scope inserted into the urethra and bladder allows us to see inside these structures and identify blockages and other problems. Treatment We offer several sophisticated treatment options for conditions that affect the ureter and urethra. In partnership with you, our team recommends various options based on the condition you are experiencing and your overall health. Our team helps you meet your health goals in the way that best fits your life. We offer procedures such as: Catheterization, draining the bladder through flexible tubes and then removing the tubes Dilation, widening the urethra to improve urine flow Urethroplasty, repairing or reconstructing the urethra Stent implantation, placing a temporary plastic tube inside the urethra to hold it open Permanent catheter, similar to catheterization but the tube is left in place Have Questions or Need Help To make an appointment or refer a patient, call the Urology Academic Practice team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience. Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Pacific Time (U.S.) 310-423-0674 Available 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility