Genital Injury

Pediatric HouseCalls Online

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.

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

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

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