Living with Familial vesicoureteral reflux
An inherited urinary tract condition where urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys.
Understanding Familial vesicoureteral reflux
Some people have no symptoms. Others have repeated urinary tract infections, sometimes with fever. A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can lead to complications such as kidney scarring, high blood pressure, or kidney failure. The reflux may go away on its own. It can be found at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes:
- No symptoms in some people
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Fevers with infections
- Kidney scarring in some cases
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, kidney specialists and urinary and male reproductive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Kidney specialists (nephrologists); Urinary and male reproductive system specialists (urologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Kidney Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause it. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of a gene is enough. GARD doesn't name a gene.
Also known as: familial vur; hereditary vesicoureteral reflux (disease)
Patient organizations
- National Kidney FoundationKidney diseases · United States
- Renal Support NetworkKidney diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial vesicoureteral reflux.
Explore research for Familial vesicoureteral reflux
Explore actively recruiting Familial vesicoureteral reflux studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Familial vesicoureteral reflux with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Familial vesicoureteral reflux studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Familial vesicoureteral reflux
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Familial vesicoureteral reflux experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.