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)
- 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 less than 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
- 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 the urine becomes difficult or painful.
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright © 2000. Barton D. Schmitt, MD, FAAP