Defects in the urethra that cause symptoms, such as a blockage, usually need to be corrected surgically.

Children who have a blockage in the urethra are operated on to open the blockage as soon as possible. Children whose urethra is abnormal, narrow, or missing may need surgery to correct these defects.

Boys who have posterior urethral valves are operated on when they are diagnosed. Surgery is performed to relieve the blockage and prevent further kidney damage. The surgical procedure is usually done with a cystoscope (a small tube with a camera on the end that is inserted into the urethra) to cut the extra tissue causing the obstruction. Even after surgery, the bladder may not function normally, and boys may need catheterization or further surgery. Catheterization is draining the bladder by inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the urethral opening into the bladder.

Boys who have hypospadias may have surgery to repair the defect and correct any other existing defects, such as chordee, depending on the severity.

Girls who have urethral prolapse can be given a cream that contains estrogen to reduce symptoms. Urethral prolapse usually resolves over time and rarely requires surgery.