Urethral valves are often diagnosed through prenatal ultrasound, which may show signs like bilateral hydronephrosis or a distended bladder. Postnatally, symptoms such as difficulty urinating, a weak urinary stream, and recurrent urinary tract infections may prompt further investigation. Diagnostic tools include voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), renal ultrasound, and sometimes cystoscopy to directly visualize the obstruction.
