Where Is the Ureter

The ureters begin at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) of the kidneys, which lie posteriorly to the renal vein and artery in the hilum[1]. The ureters then travel inferiorly inside the abdominal cavity. They pass over (anterior to) the psoas muscle and enter the bladder on the posterior bladder aspect in the trigone.

Where do you feel ureter pain?

If your stone is located in one of your ureters (the tubes that carry urine from each kidney into the bladder), you’ll likely feel pain in your back. If the stone is in the left ureter, your pain will be on the left side of your back. If in the right ureter, the pain will be on the right side of your back.

What happens when the ureter is blocked?

A ureteral obstruction is a blockage in one or both of the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. Ureteral obstruction can be curable. However, if it’s not treated, symptoms can quickly move from mild — pain, fever and infection — to severe — loss of kidney function, sepsis and death.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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