Vaginal trauma
Vaginal trauma is injury to the vagina. It can happen during childbirth, sexual assault, and accidental occurrences.
Vaginal trauma | |
---|---|
Specialty | Gynecology |
In adults, the vagina is largely protected from trauma due to the protective function of the mons pubis and labia majora. This protection is lacking in girls who lack a protective fat layer to protect the vagina. Vaginal trauma can occur when something is inserted into the vagina, for example, a sharp object causing penetrating trauma.[1] Vaginal trauma can occur as a result of a painful sexual experience or sexual abuse.[2] Vaginal trauma can occur in children as a result of a straddle injury. Most of these, though distressing, are not serious injuries.
In some instances, a severe injury occurs and requires immediate medical attention. Especially if the bleeding won't stop.[3][4] Vaginal trauma also occurs during an episiotomy[5] and vaginal childbirth. Avoiding vaginal injuries during childbirth will help to prevent depression, hospital readmissions, and perineal pain.[5][6]
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms include: abdominal pain, bleeding, bruising, faintness, vaginal discharge, embedded object in the vagina, genital pain, swelling, vomiting, painful urination, inability to urinate, presence of a wound, report of sexual abuse, and blood in the urine.[7] A hematoma can form after vaginal trauma. Imaging can identify the presence of the accumulated blood.[8]
Cause
Pregnancy related
During childbirth, vaginal or cervical injuries can occur and will likely require surgery to correct them.[9] The vagina is sometimes injured during the course of labor and perineal tears extend from the vagina to various points of the perineum.
Non pregnancy related
Non-obstetric causes include: sexual assault,[10] consensual sex,[11] fracture of the pelvis, foreign object inserted into the vagina,[12] jet ski and water-skiing accidents[13] or blunt force trauma, such as being kicked or kneed in the groin during an athletic competition.
Risk factors
Risk factors include: first episode of consensual intercourse,[6] breastfeeding, menopause, and medication side effects.[13]
Prevention
A safe environment can be created for young children in addition to keeping small objects out of reach.[7][14]
Treatment
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment. The presence of someone to provide support during the examination is very beneficial.[13] Such support is especially prioritized in cases of vaginal trauma due to sexual assault. A support person provides emotional support and can help minimize the risk of re-traumatization.[15][16] Those treating victims employ sexual assault nurse/forensic examiners (SAN/FEs) with specific training to care for those who have experienced rape or sexual assault. They are able to conduct a focused medical-legal exam. If such a trained clinician is not available, the emergency department has a sexual assault protocol that has been established for treatment and the collection of evidence.[10]
References
- Hoffman, Barbara L. (2011). Williams Gynecology (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. ISBN 9780071716727.
- "Vagina: What's normal, what's not". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- "Vaginal Trauma: You Fell On What? | Texas Children's Hospital". www.texaschildrens.org. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- "Genital Injury - Female". www.seattlechildrens.org. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- "Minimizing Genital Tract Trauma and Related Pain Following Spontaneous Vaginal Birth". www.medscape.com. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- "2018 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S30.23XA: Contusion of vagina and vulva, initial encounter". www.icd10data.com. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- "Genital injury: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- Shobeiri, S. Abbas; Rostaminia, Ghazaleh; White, Dena; Quiroz, Lieschen H.; Nihira, Mikio A. (2013-08-01). "Evaluation of Vaginal Cysts and Masses by 3-Dimensional Endovaginal and Endoanal Sonography". Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 32 (8): 1499–1507. doi:10.7863/ultra.32.8.1499. ISSN 1550-9613. PMID 23887963.
- "Vaginal and cervical trauma". stratog.rcog.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- McInerny, Thomas K. (2017). Textbook of Pediatric Care - 2nd Edition. American Academy of Pediatrics. ISBN 978-1-58110-966-5. STAT!Ref Online Electronic Medical Library[subscription required]
- Genital Findings of Women After Consensual and Nonconsensual Intercourse - Journal of Forensic Nursing
- Schorge, John O.; Halvorson, Lisa M.; Schaffer, Joseph I.; Corton, Marlene M.; Bradshaw, Karen D.; Hoffman, Barbara L. (2016-04-22). Williams gynecology. Schorge, John O.,, Hoffman, Barbara L.,, Bradshaw, Karen D.,, Halvorson, Lisa M.,, Schaffer, Joseph I.,, Corton, Marlene M. (Third ed.). New York. p. 101. ISBN 9780071849081. OCLC 944920918.
- Olsen, Martin E.; Keder, Lisa (2018-02-15). Gynecologic Care. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781107197633.
- "Making your home safe for baby | womenshealth.gov". womenshealth.gov. 2016-12-14. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
- "VictimLaw - Victims Right". www.victimlaw.org. Retrieved 2017-09-09.
- "What is a Victim Advocate-". victimsofcrime.org. Retrieved 2017-09-09.