Synopsis
In this short documentary film, Unsilenced Movement founder Shelby Smith reveals the dark underbelly of voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs), the "gold standard" test to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in pediatric patients. The VCUG test is performed on up to 1 million children every year while being falsely promoted as safe, low-risk and minimally invasive, despite decades of critically appraised research establishing this test as the "psychological equivalent" of child sexual abuse (CSA).
After recovering her own repressed memories of VCUG trauma at age 27, Smith interviews other former VCUG patients to amplify their voices, raise awareness about the real and lasting harm of VCUGs, and advocate for overdue reform in pediatric urology.
Director's Statement
My earliest memory is a recurring nightmare where I'm paralyzed on an exam table, unable to move as masked men violate my lower body. Unnerved by the undeniable sensation of penetration, I wrote it off as a bad dream, unable to think of any logical reason for a toddler to undergo an invasive reproductive procedure while awake.
At age 27, I learned about my VCUG test for the first time. It was the only common denominator of the never-ending trauma in my past: chronic illnesses, PTSD, academic hardships, child sexual abuse symptoms, disordered eating, self-harm, suicide attempts, and sexual assault in young adulthood. After months of fruitless web browsing, I succumbed to invalidation and despair. Every medical website cheerfully described my life-ruining procedure as routine, painless, and low risk, reinforcing my lifelong fear: It’s just me. I’m the problem.
Finally, I stumbled upon a subreddit called r/VCUG_Trauma. After that, launching the Unsilenced Movement wasn't just a possibility; it was inevitable. In my first few months hosting virtual support groups, it quickly became apparent that, as VCUG survivors, we were innately connected. Many of us feel as if we lived “the same lives” due to a myriad of health effects that seemed anomalous at the time, but are now prevalent among hundreds of women. From the start, I had no doubt that one day, I would share our story in film.
Alivia
NORTH CAROLINA
Alivia is a 24-year-old VCUG survivor. Originally from Massachusetts, she lives in North Carolina with her husband, where she is currently earning her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. An aspiring mental health professional, Alivia is dedicated to supporting and educating fellow survivors in their healing journeys, encouraging them to embrace their unique selves.
Ashley G.
ONTARIO
Ashley G. is a 20-year-old VCUG survivor from Ontario, Canada. A co-founder of the Unsilenced Movement, Ashley is passionate about advocating for the rights of women and children in healthcare. Her impressive writing ability, creative eye, and unwavering support in monthly support groups make her an invaluable member of the Unsilenced community. Ashley is currently earning her degree in BHSc from Queen’s College.
Ashley M.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Ashley M. is a 20-year-old VCUG survivor and registered nurse in South Carolina. An Unsilenced co-founder, her vulnerability, courage, and commitment to spreading the word about the lasting harm of VCUGs make her an outstanding advocate in our community. When she isn’t uniting fellow survivors in healing, Ashely enjoys spending time with her service dog, who has been integral to her healing.
Abby H.
FLORIDA
Abby H. is a 24-year-old VCUG survivor from Florida. Her compassion, authenticity, and bravery empower her to connect with fellow survivors all over the world. A longstanding advocate for women with chronic illnesses, Abby enjoys competing in Brazilian jujitsu, which she describes as a helpful tool in her healing journey.
Abigail S.
NEW MEXICO
Abigail is a 22-year-old VCUG survivor from New Mexico. After undergoing a dozen VCUGs as a child, Abigail developed a language impairment, fueling her longstanding passion and commitment to raising awareness about the long-term effects of VCUGs. An aspiring speech pathologist, she is currently earning her degree in Communicative Disorders (CDIS).
Emilee S.
CALIFORNIA
Emilee is a 27-year-old VCUG survivor and marketing professional from California, where she lives with her husband. As the first VCUG survivor to volunteer for an interview, Emilee’s courageous voice truly moved mountains, inspiring fellow women to come forward and testify about their own experiences as children.
Mollie B.
NEW YORK
Mollie is a 22-year-old VCUG survivor from New York. An Unsilenced co-founder, she graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Canton with her B.S. in Cybersecurity. A longstanding contributor in VCUG trauma communities, Mollie is passionate about helping fellow survivors find the missing “puzzle piece” of their lives, empowering women to take back the narrative.
