Urine Voiding Test for 12 Yr Old Girl, What to Expect

I have 10+ years working in urology. This is a common diagnostic test. My daughter had it done due to recurrent UTIs as a baby. They thought she might have duplicated ureters and wanted to make sure anatomically she was good.

Please tell your daughter that just like X-rays of patient’s bones, the doctor needs to make sure her bladder is functioning properly and this test is a tool for that. The radiology people will treat her well and respect her privacy as much as they can. Let her know that just like her pediatrician, these technicians see lots of patients every day and are great people who are concerned she has the best care possible.

Let her know it will be over shortly and you will be right outside the door. Maybe give her something of yours to hold in her hand. Let her know you’re confident she’ll be their best patient of the day.

If you’re concerned for her anxiety, I would talk to the physician who ordered the test and see if they think she should have something to help take the edge off.

I know you’re probably apprehensive. Please do your best not to show your daughter that at all. Be confident in her and the radiology department’s ability to deal well with younger patients.

I had the test. It was the kind of test I thought you could only do with a stranger.
The nurse/tech was super nice and made me feel as comfortable as possible. It took about an hour.

I had to sit on a portable potty chair though...not use towels. For me they also measured how much urine came out.

FYI...it turned out I had stricture in my urethra. It took the doctor 1 minute to fix after he knew the problem.

Once you take her for the test let the professionals help and handle her. You should wait out in the waiting room. She will be fine. I would definitely not tell her you will not force her to do it. It’s not painful...just slightly embarrassing but they do this all the time.

I had this test when I was 3 and then again when I was around age 20. They'll do a good job of maintaining her privacy and keeping her comfortable. Tell her to not worry about it and not try to practice (I couldn't do that either if asked to try at home even though I've done it twice in a medical setting). It's a little uncomfortable having the bladder so full but really in the grand scheme of things, not a bad procedure.

I have had a lot of medical procedures over the years, and one of my kids has had a few. When they say to 'practice' - they do recognize that not everyone is going to do this. They hope that you will, but keep in mind, some patients just aren't going to bother. Some aren't going to be able to (anxious), and other people will totally forget/not have time, etc. So your daughter won't be the first kid going in who hasn't prepared before hand by practicing.

The only thing I would tell her - is that it will help her on the day - especially if she is nervous - to give it a go at home. What about if she sits on the toilet and you hold a washcloth underneath her somehow so she's peeing on it partly as it goes int the toilet (so she's working her way up to it?).

I have a kid with anxiety and if I do partial steps - so I'm not 'forcing' but I'm also gently empowering/coaching ... it's helpful. It makes the day of easier.

I don't know if the can give her something to take the edge off or not. You can call ahead and ask for suggestions. Lori has good suggestions.

I have not had this exact thing done - but other nasty'ish things and some relaxation techniques can help - unclenching and breathing might help. Good luck :)

Ask the doctor what to expect.
They would know and have some good answers for you.

I've had that test years ago. I think I was given something to take the edge off.

I feel for her - when I was pregnant and in early labor at 24 weeks, they wanted me to pee in a bed pan laying in the bed because they didn't want me to sit up. I simply could not pee like that. I hope that she will be able to. Like the others mention, maybe "something to take the edge off" might help. Maybe it would have helped me.