Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) is a congenital defect affecting only male fetuses at a rate of about 1 in 8,000. It involves extra “flaps” of tissue on the urethra that obstruct the bladder. Effects can range from minimal to incompatible with life depending on the severity of the defect. PUV requires long-term management beginning in infancy to prevent deterioration of urinary tracts and bladder dysfunction. Severe cases detected prenatally may involve a fetus that is small for gestational age and lack of amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios which may cause other serious developmental problems.

For more information on Posterior Urethral Valves, visit:

Emedicine – Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)

Radiopaedia – Posterior Urethral Valves

Boston Children’s Hospital – Posterior Urethral Valves

Ending a Wanted Pregnancy stories tagged Posterior Urethral Valves