Genital Trauma in Children: Types, Symptoms, and Remedies

Genital trauma in children is any injury that occurs to the genital area. For girls, this pertains to the labia, vulva, and vagina. Genital trauma often occurs by accident. It is characterized by bruising, swelling, and/or minor cuts, abrasions, which are likely to heal soon. However, since the area is very sensitive and receives a huge blood supply, just minor cuts can result in excessive bleeding.

Genital trauma from internal and external injuries in the female genital area may be the result of serious as well as superfluous injuries, having multiple causes. These causes may range from accidental straddle injuries, blunt trauma, and crush injuries. Genital trauma of a more serious nature can be the cause of sexual abuse, rape, and female genital mutilation. 

Types of Genital Injuries in Females

Genital injuries in females are most serious in nature. Common injuries, which may lead to genital trauma, include:

• Cut: Cuts are often shallow and heal quickly;
• Bruise: Labial bruises and swellings are usually the results of a straddle injury. They also heal quickly
• Haematoma blood clot: Labial bleeding may cause a haematoma or a superficial blood clot. While a small clot can go away by itself, a large clot will need medical attention;
• Vaginal laceration: Vaginal laceration (i.e. a cut or a tear) is considered to be a serious injury and requires a thorough examination. Any severe injury of the vagina or nearby areas needs to be examined. Its symptoms include persistent pain and bleeding.
• Urethral injury: Urethral injury is not caused by external injuries. It often results from pelvic fractures. Common symptoms of urethral injury include bloody urine and difficulty in passing the urine.

Symptoms of Genital Trauma in Children

The following are some of the common symptoms of genital injuries:

• Cuts and bruises, which can occur on the inside of the vagina
• Redness and swelling
• Bleeding
• Mild to moderate pain
• Blood in urine
• Abrasions
• Problems during urination
• Dizziness and nausea
• Vaginal discharge

How is Genital Trauma in Children Diagnosed?

Below are the medical tests that are usually advised to diagnose genital trauma in females:

• Vaginal discharge sample for evaluating the presence of infection
• X-ray or ultrasound to evaluate if there is internal trauma as well

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. 

How to Treat Genital Trauma in Females?

The following are some of the treatments for pediatric genital trauma in females:

• Cool compresses
• OTC (over-the-counter) pain medication
• Antibiotics, in case of infection
• Controlled physical activity
• Warm Sitz baths
• Surgery, in case of major genital trauma

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 in case your child experiences any of the following instances:

• The injury is serious
• The bleeding is continuing for more than 10 minutes
• Has vaginal bleeding
• Injury caused by a penetrating object
• Has an open wound that may require stitches
• Swelling and pain in the scrotum
• Painful urination, difficulty passing urine, and/or bloody urine
• Severe pain
• There are signs of disturbed behavior

Caring for Mild Genital Injuries at Home

Below are some home remedies for caring for mild genital injuries, so that they don’t cause genital trauma for your child:

• Treat minor bleeding by applying direct pressure on it using a sterile gauze for 10 minutes
• To clean the area of injury, wash it with water for five minutes
• To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes or less, depending on how much your child can bear the pain
• For pain relief, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen, according to the recommended dosage

Genital trauma in children, especially females, across ages is a medical condition of serious concern, irrespective of whether the symptoms appear minor or extreme. The injury may not always be externally visible when in reality the injury needs immediate medical treatment. Sometimes, a woman ignores the symptoms mentioned earlier as a minor problem that will self-heal itself.

For instance, vaginal discharge or bleeding may be taken for granted as side effects of the monthly menstrual cycle. In case these symptoms last more than a few days, it is often recommended that you visit a pediatric gynecologist immediately. This will ensure that, in case the symptoms need attention, it can be treated before they get aggravated and become genital trauma. 

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