Cloacal incompetence is a congenital anomaly in which the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract are fused into one place. In normal anatomy, these openings are separate. Cloacal incompetence occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 to 25,000 female births. The anomaly is usually diagnosed before birth and the child will require treatment soon after birth.

Cloacal septum is a rare birth defect that, if left untreated, can lead to urinary tract and genital infections. Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of complications caused by this defect. The only treatment for cloacal septum is surgery to reconstruct the vagina, urethra and anus.