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