Genital injuries acute evaluation and management

Genital trauma may result in external injuries to the labia, vulva or vagina, urethra and anus and internal injuries to the bony pelvis, bladder, bowels and reproductive organs. Worldwide, the most common cause of genital trauma in reproductive age women is injury sustained during childbirth, but in this chapter we will focus on accidental genital injuries as well as those arising from sexual violence, and female genital mutilation. While genital injuries alone rarely result in death; if not properly managed, chronic discomfort, dyspareunia, infertility, or fistula formation may result. Clinicians need to be able to recognize these injuries and provide initial management, and assure that the patient's mental, emotional and physical needs are addressed.