How to Care for Your Daughter with a Genital Straddle Injury

This leaflet will provide you with information about female genital injury causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and home care advice.

Genital Straddle Injury

What is a female genital straddle injury?

  • It is an injury caused by a direct blow to the sensitive areas of a female child, including the groin, labia, clitoris and perineum.
  • The vulva includes the labia minora (inner lips), labia majora (outer lips) and clitoris. The perineum is this space between the vaginal opening and the anus.
  • Rarely are the hymen or vagina injured.
  • Usually happens because of:
    • A hit during sports
    • A high fall
    • Accidents at home
    • Uncommonly due to a non-accidental injury

What are the symptoms of a straddle injury?

Girls with straddle injury may show different symptoms based on how serious the injury is. These symptoms may include:

  • Pain where the injury is
  • Discomfort
  • Redness or bruises
  • Cuts in the genital area
  • Minor bleeding or swelling that goes away on its own
  • Continuous bleeding may occur in some severe injuries
  • Trouble or difficulty when urinating
  • Changes in the shape of the area

How is female straddle injury diagnosed?

  • Your child’s doctor will ask for detailed information about what happened or ask your child to tell the story if she can.
  • The doctor will check the symptoms and examine the area. This will help find out how serious the injury is and what treatment is needed.
  • Most minor straddle injuries do not require any extra tests. In severe cases, your child’s doctor might use imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.                                            

How is female straddle injury treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, and it aims to reduce pain and discomfort and to promote healing. Helpful treatment tips include:

  • You can give your child pain medicines if advised by the doctor, while considering the following:
    • Paracetamol (any brand) or Ibuprofen (any brand).
    • Follow the instructions on the medicine package to ensure the correct dose for your child.
    • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious complications.
  • You can apply a clean dressing pad and raise the affected area to help reduce swelling.
  • Encourage your child to rest and avoid any activities that might make the injury worse for 24 hours.
  • At home, give your child warm water baths for 20 minutes a few times a day to help ease discomfort.                            
  • Most of these steps can be done at home to help relieve your child’s pain and discomfort. Make sure to check and ensure your child’s injury is improving with time.

When should I take my daughter to the Emergency Department (ED)?

Take your daughter to the Emergency Department (ED) if she:

  • Experiences no improvement after homecare measures
  • Develops a fever or an increase in swelling with discharge from the injury site
  • Severe pain or bleeding from the injury site