Anonymous

From what I remember, I got 2 VCUGs done around ages 5-7. Flash forward to me being 25 years old, I have debilitating menstrual cramps that I have been searching for answers for since they began around age 14. Finally, I had a gynecologist give me an answer. After doing a pelvic exam and noticing tightness and muscle spasms, he asked me straight up “were you abused physically or sexually as a child?”. I told him about my VCUGs as a child and he told me the trauma from that (in addition to some slight anatomical abnormalities) is the reason for my debilitating pain. He finally gave me an answer and set me up with a wonderful treatment plan. What broke my heart, however, was telling my mom. She was there with me through my VCUG journeys 2 decades ago, doing what the doctors told her was right. I explained what my doctor told me was the reason for my pain. My mom was incredibly understanding, but still asked “how does a VCUG cause that?”. I then told her what I learned through the Unsilenced movement, as well as documented research, about how VCUGs, especially in childhood, are interpreted in the brain as sexual trauma. I saw it hit her what it was truly like for me. She said “I was just doing what the doctors told me to do. Now I feel bad”. I have processed and have made peace with what I went through, but seeing my mom realize what truly happened and the effects of it 20 years later was absolutely heartbreaking. I should never have had to go through that, and no mother should ever have to have that realization.