Genital injury - Treatment
Alternative Names
Scrotal trauma; Straddle injury; Toilet seat injury
First Aid:
- Reassure the victim and try to keep them calm. As first aid is administered, be sensitive to the victim's privacy -- shield the injured area.
- To control bleeding, use direct pressure. Place a clean cloth or sterile dressing on any open wounds. If the vagina is bleeding severely, pack the area with sterile gauze or clean cloths unless a foreign body is suspected.
- Apply cold compresses to help reduce swelling.
- If the testicles have been injured, support them with a sling made from towels and applied like a diaper.
- If an object is embedded in a body opening or wound, leave it alone. Taking it out may cause further damage.
- Seek medical attention.
Do Not:
- DO NOT overlook the possibility of internal bleeding.
- DO NOT volunteer your opinions about the circumstances.
- DO NOT accuse or confront the victim.
- DO NOT disturb possible evidence of assault or abuse, unless a medical emergency exists. If you suspect assault or abuse, do not allow the victim to change clothes, bathe, or shower.
- DO NOT allow the victim to walk, unless absolutely necessary.
- DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign body yourself.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
- There is any pain or swelling in the genital area
- The foreign body was sharp
- There is bleeding
- There is concern about sexual abuse
- The patient is unable to urinate
- The urine is bloody
- Reviewed last on: 9/30/2009
- David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and the urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 3.

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