What is a common clinical presentation of an ectopic ureter?

An ectopic ureter commonly presents with urinary incontinence due to the abnormal placement of the ureter. In this condition, the ureter does not connect normally to the bladder and may drain into the urethra, vagina, or other structures, leading to involuntary leakage of urine. This is especially notable in pediatric cases where the abnormal insertion creates continuous dribbling or wetting that can occur regardless of the child’s awareness or ability to control urination.

Frequent urination could occur in various urinary disorders but is not specifically characteristic of an ectopic ureter. Straining to urinate usually indicates an obstruction or difficulty in passing urine, which is not typical for ectopic ureters. Painful urination is more often associated with urinary tract infections or inflammation rather than the anatomical variation of an ectopic ureter. Thus, while some other symptoms may be present, urinary incontinence is the most distinctive clinical presentation associated with this condition.