Genital trauma

[Greta]

Most genital trauma occurs in men and may involve injury to the testes, scrotum, and penis. Severe genital injuries occur most commonly on the battlefield because of the ground explosives commonly used. Genital mutilation of women by removing the clitoris, which is done in some cultures, is a form of genital trauma and child abuse.
Most testicular injuries result from blunt trauma (eg, assaults, motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries); penetrating testicular injuries are far less common. Testicular injuries are classified as contusions or, if the tunica albuginea is disrupted, as ruptures.
Scrotal injuries may be caused by burns, avulsions, and penetrating trauma.
Penile injuries have diverse mechanisms. Zipper injuries are more common in children. Penile fractures, which are ruptures of the corpus cavernosum, occur most often when the penis is forcibly bent during sexual activity and can be accompanied by urethral injury. Amputations (usually self-inflicted or due to clothing trapped by heavy machinery) and strangulations (usually due to constricting penile rings used to enhance erections) are additional mechanisms. Penetrating injuries, including animal and human bites and gunshot wounds, are less common; gunshot wounds often involve the urethra.
Complications of genital injuries include infection, tissue loss, erectile dysfunction, male hypogonadism, and urethral scarring.