Genital injury

Alternative names:

injury to the genitals; scrotal trauma; straddle injury; toilet seat injury

Definition:

Injury to the genitals.

Considerations:

In cases of rape or sexual abuse, a medical examination is necessary. It is essential for the victim's health as well as to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Genital injuries can be very painful and can bleed heavily. Genital injury can affect the reproductive organs as well as the bladder and urethra.

Young girls (usually less than 4 years of age) may insert foreign objects into the vagina as part of a developmentally normal exploration of their body. These objects may include toilet tissue, crayons, beads, pins, or buttons.

To rule out sexual abuse, the young girl should be asked how the object got in her vagina.

In young boys, one of the most common causes of genital injury is having the seat slam down while they are using the toilet. Another common cause of genital injuries is having the feet slip while they are climbing or playing (such as on "monkey bars") and landing with the legs on each side of the bar ("straddle injury").

Causes:

• foreign body lodged in the vagina
• assault
• rape
• sexual abuse
• zipper injury
• trauma