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 is split open or gaping and may need stitches
Swollen or painful scrotum
Painful urination or difficulty passing urine
Blood in urine
Severe pain
Age under 1 year old
Could have been caused by sexual abuse or assault

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) 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

Minor genital injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR 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 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 develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 7/15/2007

Last Revised: 8/5/2007

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online