GENITAL INJURY
DEFINITION
- Injuries to the female genital area (labia, vulva, vagina)
- Injuries to the male genital area (scrotum or penis)
Types of Genital Injuries
- Most are bruises (with swelling) or minor cuts that heal rapidly in 3 to 4 days.
- Minor injuries can cause lots of bleeding here because of the rich blood supply.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call 911 now (your child may need an ambulance) if:
- Major bleeding that can't be stopped.
- Fainted or too weak to stand.
Call your doctor now (night or day) if:
- You think your child has a serious injury.
- External bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
- Bleeding from inside the vagina.
- Vaginal injury with a penetrating object.
- Skin split open or gaping and may need stitches.
- Swollen or painful scrotum.
- Painful urination or difficulty passing urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- Severe pain.
- Age less than 1 year old.
- Could have been caused by sexual abuse or assault.
Call your doctor within 24 hours (between 9am and 4pm)if:
- You think your child needs to be seen.
Call your doctor during weekday office hours if:
- You have other questions or concerns.
Parent care at home if:
- Mild genital injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
HOME CARE ADVICE
- Bleeding:
- For any bleeding, apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze.
- Note: minor cuts in the genital area can cause much oozing of blood because of the rich blood supply.
- For the same reason, the area heals quickly (3 or 4 days).
- Cleansing: For minor cuts, wash the area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- Local Cold:For swelling, apply a cold wet washcloth to the area once for 20 minutes (if tolerated).
- Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
- Expected Course: Cuts and other injuries in the genital area heal quickly in 3 or 4 days.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain becomes severe
- Passing urine becomes difficult or painful
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
REFERENCES
- Ahn JH, Morey AF, McAninch JW. Workup and management of traumatic hematuria. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1998;16:145-164.
- Bond GR, et al. Unintentional perineal injury in prepubescent girls: A multicenter, prospective report of 56 girls. Pediatrics. 1995;95:628.
- Dowd MD, Fitzmaurice L, Knapp JF, et al. The interpretation of urogenital findings in children with straddle injuries. J Pediatr Surg. 1994;29:7-10.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.