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Warning-sign checks

Genital injury: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now for:

    • Heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
    • Sudden, severe testicular pain, with or without obvious injury
    • A displaced, unusually high, or misshapen testicle
    • A penile crack or pop followed by rapid swelling or loss of erection
    • Inability to pass urine or blood at the urinary opening
    • Rapidly increasing genital swelling
    • An open wound with exposed deeper tissue
    • A penetrating injury, serious bite, or major burn
    • A trapped object causing pain, numbness, pale skin, or darkening
    • Faintness, confusion, weakness, or other signs of major blood loss

    If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services or move to a safer place if possible.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange same-day assessment for persistent pain, marked bruising, a deep cut, blood in the urine, painful urination, or swelling that is not settling.

    Children should be assessed promptly when an injury is significant, the history is unclear, or abuse is a concern.

    After sexual assault, you can seek urgent medical and emotional support even without visible injuries.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For a minor injury that is improving, routine follow-up may be enough.

    Seek advice if pain or swelling worsens, the wound opens, pus or fever develops, urination changes, or improvement stops.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Genital injury. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.