Genital trauma is any injury occurred to the female genital area, which is the labia, vulva, and vagina. Genital trauma often occurs by accident. It’s characterized by bruising, swelling and/or minor cuts, which are likely to heal soon. However, since the area is so sensitive and has a huge blood supply, just minor cuts can result in excessive bleeding.
Types of genital injuries in females
Genital injuries in females are rarely serious. Common injuries include:
- Cut. These cuts are often shallow and heal quickly.
- Bruise. Labial bruises and swelling are usually the result of a straddle injury. They also heal quickly.
- Hematoma blood clot. Labial bleeding may cause a hematoma blood clot. While a small clot can go away by itself, a large clot will need medical attention (drainage, e.g.)
- Vaginal laceration. Vaginal laceration (i.e. a cut or a tear) is consider a serious injury and requires examination. Serious. Any penetrating injury of the vagina needs to be examined. Its symptoms include persistent pain and bleeding.
- Urethral jnjury. Urethral jnjury is not caused by external injuries. It often results from pelvic fractures. Urethral injury is marked by bloody urine and trouble passing urine.
Straddle injuries
Straddle injuries occur when the kid falls on an object that is being straddled. Common sources of straddle injuries are playground equipment, crossbars of a bike, or a fence. Straddle injuries often cause bruises and small cuts to the outer labia. Since the vagina and urethra are protected by the labia, they are often safe from straddle injuries.
When to seek emergency medical attention?
Call an ambulance if your child:
- Is bleeding excessively.
- Has fainted due to major blood loss
Call your doctor immediately if:
- You think your child’s injury is serious.
- Your child is bleeding for more than 10 minutes.
- Your child has vaginal bleeding.
- Your child’s injury is caused by a penetrating object.
- Your child has an open wound that may require stitches.
- Your child experiences swelling and pain in the scrotum.
- Your child has painful urination, difficulty passing urine, and/or bloody urine.
- Your child is in severe pain
- Your child is younger than 1 year old.
Caring for mild genital injuries at home
Treat minor bleeding by applying direct pressure on it using a sterile gauze for 10 minutes.
To clean the injury site, wash it with soap and water for 5 minutes.
To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes or less, depending on your child’s preference.
For pain relief, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the recommended dosage.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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