Urethral diverticula in women have a variety of appearances, but the "classic" appearance is that of a diverticulum extending posteriorly from the urethra and wrapping around the urethra (which has been described as a "saddlebag" appearance, supposedly imitating a saddle wrapping around the back of a horse).

Urethra diverticula are not always seen on VCUG. It depends on the size of the connection between the urethra and the diverticulum. Double balloon catheters (a balloon at the internal bladder sphincter and one at the introitus) used to be used to build sufficient pressure in the short female urethra in order to push contrast through the diverticulum neck. MRI is more often used now.