What Is Vesicoureteral Reflux?

Vesicoureteral reflux occurs when urine in the bladder flows back into the ureters and often back into the kidneys. The bladder is the hollow, muscular organ that stores urine before urination occurs. The bladder has three small openings. Two connect the ureters where urine is drained from the kidneys, and one connects the bladder to the urethra where urine exits the body.

The ureters are funnel-shaped tubes that carry urine from the kidneys. Ureters enter the bladder at a diagonal angle. They have a special one-way valve system, which normally prevents urine from flowing back up the ureters in the direction of the kidneys.

This condition is most frequently diagnosed in infancy and childhood. When a child has vesicoureteral reflux, the mechanism that prevents the back flow of urine does not work, allowing urine to flow in both directions. A child who has vesicoureteral reflux is at risk for developing recurrent kidney infections. Over time, infections can cause scarring and damage to the kidneys.