First Aid for Genital Injuries

Genital injuries in are sensitive and potentially serious events that require careful evaluation, both medically and emotionally. They can result from accidental trauma, underlying medical conditions, or—more rarely—non-accidental causes, including abuse. Prompt, compassionate care is essential.

Although genital injuries could be an uncomfortable topic for some people, I believe that we should make ourselves aware of the subject so that we can help someone if they suffer from a genital injury and require assistance.

A genital injury is an injury to female or male sex organs, mainly the ones located outside the human body. Such an injury can also occur in the perineum, which is the area between a person’s legs.

An injury to the genitals can be extremely painful and can even cause plenty of bleeding, depending on how the injury occurred. Such an injury can affect a person’s reproductive organs, their urethra, and the bladder.

Whether you have suffered a genital injury yourself or have a child around who may have gone through such an experience, knowing about first aid for genital injury is indeed crucial.

In this article, we will be discussing the causes and symptoms associated with genital injuries and what to do if you witness someone experiencing them.

Causes of Genital Injuries

Genital injuries, whether they’re experienced by a male or female, can be caused by numerous factors. Some of them are as follows:

• Injuries caused by falling or when a person straddles their legs.
• Penis injury caused by closing the zip of one’s pants.
• Injuries caused due to scissors and razors (such as while getting tattoos or removing pubic hair).
• Sports-related and automobile injuries.
• Domestic violence.
• Self-inflicted wounds
• Street fights.
• Young girls (usually aged four or younger) explore their bodies using objects such as beads, crayons, buttons, and tissues.
• Through the usage of playground equipment, including crossbars and see-saws.
• Occupational-related injuries.
• Injuries caused during sexual activities.

Symptoms of Genital Injuries

The signs and symptoms of a genital injury can include:

• Swollen genitalia.
• Bleeding due to nicks and cuts.
• Pain that is mild, moderate, or severe based on the severity of the injury.
• Severe bleeding caused due to severe trauma, which can include penetrating wounds.
• Bruises or formation of a blood clot.
• The affected skin is getting discolored.
• Visible distortion of the penis.
• Blood in urine and difficulties urinating in case the urethra is affected.
• Vaginal discharge along with foul smell.
• Injury to the urinary tract.
• The pelvic bones getting fractured – in rare cases – if the injury is severe.

First Aid for Female Genital Injuries

If you suspect that the injured person has suffered sexual abuse, you must call the local emergency number right away.

1. Ensure Privacy and Safety

• Maintain Privacy: Since the genital area is highly sensitive, work discreetly. Ensure that the person’s privacy is maintained throughout, and limit exposure only to essential responders.
• Assess the Situation: Determine if the injury appears to be minor or if there is evidence of severe trauma. If there’s any suspicion of sexual abuse or if the injury is severe (e.g., heavy bleeding, penetrating trauma, or severe pain), call emergency services immediately.

2. Initial Assessment and Stabilization

• Evaluate the Extent of the Injury: Look for signs such as swelling, bruising, bleeding, or any obvious distortion of the genital area. Consider if the injury might be affecting adjacent structures (like the urethra) which could present with difficulties in urination or blood in the urine.
• Control Bleeding:
  • If there is bleeding, gently apply a clean, soft cloth or sterile gauze over the area.
  • Use light pressure to help control the bleeding, but be cautious—excess pressure could worsen tissue damage.
  • Do not apply any unapproved substances directly to the wound.
• Avoid Further Trauma: Do not attempt to cleanse or manipulate the injury excessively. Avoid the use of harsh antiseptics, as these areas are very delicate.

3. Cleaning and Protecting the Area

• Gentle Cleaning:
  • If the wound is minor and there’s no major bleeding, carefully rinse the area with lukewarm water.
  • Avoid rubbing the injury; let water gently flow over it to remove debris.
• Covering the Wound:
  • If appropriate, loosely cover the injury with a sterile, non-adherent dressing.
  • This helps protect the area from infection while reducing discomfort.
• Pain Management:
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may be used if the injured person is able to take them, but avoid applying these directly to the wound.

4. When to Seek Professional Medical Help

• Immediate Medical Attention:
  • Call emergency services right away if there is severe or uncontrolled bleeding, suspected internal injuries, signs of a significant tear or laceration, or if the injury is associated with potential sexual abuse.
• Follow-Up Care:
  • Even for minor genital injuries, it’s wise for the injured person to have a professional evaluation. Healthcare providers can assess for hidden damage and prescribe antibiotics if there is a risk of infection.
  • A professional evaluation is especially important if urination is painful or if you notice blood in the urine, which may suggest injury to the urethra.

5. Emotional Support

• Consider the Emotional Impact: Genital injuries can be both physically and emotionally painful. Offer reassurance and support, and if the situation involves potential abuse, follow protocols for reporting and secure the person’s emotional well-being.
• Maintain Dignity: Speak respectfully and ensure that the injured person feels safe and comfortable during the process.

First Aid for Male Genital Injury

First Aid tips for Male Genital Injuries: (Since the involved region is sensitive and private, the affected individual’s dignity and emotions should be considered to the extent possible.)

• Call your local emergency number immediately, in case of the following:
  • The affected individual is a child below age 2 years
  • If there is any visible change to the genital profile from the injury
  • If there are deep penetrating injuries causing severe bleeding; blood in urine
  • If a partial/complete tearing or amputation of the genital has taken place
  • If the child or adult has lost consciousness
• Ensure that the injured area is covered from sight (of others) while administering frst aid
• Wash the area with clean water (for minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds)
• Stop any bleeding by applying pressure, using a sterile dressing or a clean wet cloth
• If any sharp object remains impaled in the area, DO NOT attempt to remove it (as this may result in increased bleeding or further injury to the area)
• Apply an ice pack to injury site to reduce swelling and pain; do not apply ice directly to the skin, wrap it up in a cloth or towel
• If the scrotum is affected, then place a sling around the area (involving the waist) to support the testicles
• In case of a penile fracture, DONOT try to manipulate the organ.
• A tetanus shot may be necessary, in case of an open cut/wound).
• In case of pain (in adults), consider taking pain medication
• In case of pain in children, take the advice of a health care provider
• Take the individual to emergency room (ER)for further treatment, as quickly as possible, in case of an emergency.

REFERENCES

1. Faris A, Blair Y. Trauma to the genitourinary tract. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2024. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024;1196-1199.
2. Lang SC, Shewakramani SN. Genitourinary trauma. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 39.
3. Taylor JM, Smith TG, Coburn M. Urologic surgery. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 74.
4. Krish Tangella, First Aid for Male Genital Injury, Mar 03, 2018, https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/first-aid/first-aid-male-genital-injury

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