GENITAL INJURY

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.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR GENITAL INJURY

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.

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 FOR 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 (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 the urine becomes difficult or painful.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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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.

Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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