Genital Injury

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.
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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.
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HOME CARE ADVICE

  1. 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).
  2. Cleansing: For minor cuts, wash the area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
  3. Local Cold:For swelling, apply a cold wet washcloth to the area once for 20 minutes (if tolerated).
  4. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
  5. Expected Course: Cuts and other injuries in the genital area heal quickly in 3 or 4 days.
  6. 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.

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REFERENCES

  1. Ahn JH, Morey AF, McAninch JW. Workup and management of traumatic hematuria. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1998;16:145-164.
  2. Bond GR, et al. Unintentional perineal injury in prepubescent girls: A multicenter, prospective report of 56 girls. Pediatrics. 1995;95:628.
  3. 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.

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