What is Male Genital Injury?

• Male Genital Injury may be described as an injury caused to the male sex organs that includes the penis, scrotum, testes, and even to the perineal region (the area around the anus and genitalia). The injuries may be from blunt or sharp penetrating objects
• Depending on the injury, the condition can be mild or severe that results in long-term complications including erectile dysfunction, scarring, testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism), and long-term emotional trauma

What are the Causes of Male Genital Injury?

Male Genital Injuries are caused by a variety of factors including:

• Fall injuries (especially if the individuals are heavy or overweight); falls causing straddling of the legs
• Injuries caused while riding two-wheelers (straddling injuries)
• Injuries to the penis while closing pant zip (which is a common type of injury)
• Toilet seat injuries, seen in young children
• Injuries caused by razors and scissors (such as while removing pubic hair or placing tattoos)
• Automobile accidents and sports-related injuries (while playing soccer, hockey, or cricket)
• Participation in gymnastics, martial arts, and kick-boxing
• Street fights and domestic violence
• Boys playing using playground equipment such as see-saws, crossbars, or jumping over fences
• Boys playing with their sex organs (exploratory) using objects such as toys
• Self-inflicted wounds
• Occupational-related injuries
• Injuries to the genitalia sustained during sexual activities/experiments; bite wounds, strangulation of the genitals

Sexual abuse: If there is a suspicion of sexual abuse (especially when the injured individual is a child), call 911 or your local emergency number, to immediately report the abuse.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Male Genital Injury?

The signs and symptoms of Male Genital Injuries may include:

• Mild, moderate, or severe pain depending on the severity of the trauma
• Bleeding due to cuts and nicks that are minor
• Severe bleeding from severe trauma (penetrating wounds)
• Bruising, contusion, formation of a blood clot
• Discoloration of affected skin
• Swollen scrotum and penis from brute force
• Penile fracture due to sex, which can result in sharp pain, swollen penis, bruising, visible distortion of the penis
• If the urethra is affected, it can result in urination difficulties and blood in urine (hematuria)
• In very severe cases, the injury may be such that fracture of pelvic bones may occur

Other associated symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal and groin pain, and unconsciousness.

How is First Aid administered for Male Genital Injury?

If there is a suspicion of sexual abuse, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number). In case there is no sexual abuse involved, the following steps may be considered.

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 911 or 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 first 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, DO NOT 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 healthcare provider

Take the individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment, as quickly as possible, in case of an emergency.

Who should administer First Aid for Male Genital Injury?

• Any individual, in close vicinity of the injured person, can provide immediate comfort and first aid, but one must seek medical help in almost all cases of Male Genital Injuries
• In case of a severe injury, calling 911 (or your local emergency number) is the first and immediate line of action

What is the Prognosis of Male Genital Injury?

• The prognosis for a Male Genital Injury varies widely and depends on the extent and type of injury and the age of the affected individual
• Minor cases have a much better prognosis than moderate to severe injuries. Often, in the case of a major injury, the treatment may be prolonged and necessitate surgeries and physical therapy, to repair damaged genital parts

How can Male Genital Injury be Prevented?

A few helpful tips to prevent Male Genital Injuries:

• Utilize suitable PPE (personal protective equipment) while performing certain dangerous activities, outdoor activities, or sports
• Carefully supervise children at parks and playgrounds
• Use seatbelts in motor vehicles
• Add safety features, such as non-slick patches and handrails to the stairs, to avoid fall injuries

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, if the injury is severe
• Consider medical treatment for all cases of genital injuries