GENITAL CONTUSION |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Bruising of the skin and underlying tissues of the external genitals of the male or female due to a direct blow. Contusions cause bleeding from ruptured small capillaries that allow blood to infiltrate skin, scrotum, vaginal lips or other soft tissue.
BODY PARTS INVOLVEDGenitals, including penis, scrotum, spermatic cord and testicles, or vaginal lips and clitoris, urethra, blood vessels and covering to bones (periosteum) in the pelvis.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Local swelling in the genital area--either superficial or deep.
Pain and tenderness over the injury.
Feeling of firmness when pressure is exerted at the injury site.
Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic "black and blue" bruise.
Restricted activity in the genital area in proportion to the extent of injury.
CAUSESDirect blow to the genitals, usually from a blunt object.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports.
Gymnastics.
Bicycling.
Horseback riding.
Medical history of any bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
Poor nutrition, including vitamin deficiency.
HOW TO PREVENTWear appropriate protective gear, such as a padded athletic supporter, during competition or other athletic activity if there is risk of a genital contusion.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's care unless the contusion is quite small. A doctor should evaluate ANY testicle injury.
Self-care for minor contusions.
Ultrasound studies to evaluate testicle injuries.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor for all except minor injuries.
X-rays of injured area to assess total injury to soft tissue and to rule out the possibility of underlying fractures. The total extent of injury may not be apparent for 48 to 72 hours.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Excessive internal bleeding.
Loss of testicle from injury.
Prolonged healing time if usual activities are resumed too soon.
Infection if skin over the contusion is broken.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEDespite severe pain at the time of injury, most genital contusions heal without complications. Reproductive capacity is rarely affected. Healing time varies with the extent of injury from 3 to 14 days.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDUse instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION (if possible). See Appendix 1 for details.
CONTINUING CARE
Keep the area compressed for 72 hours. Use an athletic supporter for compression for males and sanitary pads for females.
Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.
After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, heat liniments or ointments, or whirlpool treatments.
Use crutches for a few days to avoid weight-bearing if the contusion is severe and hurts worse when walking.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use:
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Topical liniments and ointments.
Your doctor may prescribe stronger medicine for pain.
ACTIVITY
Avoid sexual intercourse and sexual excitement until healing is complete.
Begin activities slowly and stop exercise as soon as pain begins. Increase activity as healing progresses.
Avoid contact sports if the function of one testicle is lost.
DIETDuring recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.
REHABILITATIONNone.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a genital contusion that doesn't improve in 1 or 2 days.
Skin is broken and signs of infection (drainage, increasing pain, fever, headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling) occur.
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