Genital Trauma

Injury Definition

• Injuries to the female genital area (labia, vulva, vagina)
• Injuries to the male genital area (scrotum or penis)
• 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

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

• Major bleeding that can’t be stopped
• Fainted or too weak to stand following major blood loss

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You think your child has a serious injury
• External bleeding that 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 < 1 year old

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) 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 for Mild Genital Injuries

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 ice or a cold compress for 20 minutes (if tolerated)
4. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen 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 urin becomes difficult or worse
   • Your child becomes worse