G

genitalia The collective term for the organs and
structures of reproduction, also called the sex
organs or the genitals.
Male genitalia The external male genitalia are
the PENISandSCROTUM; the internal male genitalia
are the URETHRA, TESTICLES, VAS DEFERENS, bul-
bourethral glands (also called Cowper’s glands),
ejaculatory ducts, seminal vesicles, spermatic
cords, and PROSTATE GLAND. All structures of the
internal male genitalia occur in pairs except the
prostate gland and urethra.
Female genitalia The female external genitalia
are the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora,
CLITORIS, Skene’s glands, Bartholin’s glands,
hymen, and vaginal introitus. Collectively the
female external genitalia are the VULVAor puden-
dum. The female internal genitalia are the OVARIES,
FALLOPIAN TUBES, UTERUS, CERVIX, andVAGINA.
For further discussion of the genitalia within
the context of the structures and functions of
reproduction and sexuality, please see the
overview section “The Reproductive System.”
See also CHILDBIRTH; CONCEPTION; PREGNANCY; SEX-
UAL HEALTH; SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.

genital trauma Injury to the GENITALIA (organs
and structures of reproduction). Genital trauma
may occur as the result of accidental injury, ritual
genital mutilation, or SEXUAL ASSAULT and may
affect the external or internal genitalia. Genital
trauma may result in PAIN, structural damage,
impaired genitourinary function, SEXUAL DYSFUNC-
TION, and INFERTILITY.

Male Genital Trauma
Common forms of genital trauma in young boys
are in straddle injuries (such as falling onto the
bar of a bicycle), blunt force injuries to the groin

(such as being struck with a thrown or kicked

ball), and toileting injuries (such as the toilet seat

falling onto the PENISor getting the penis or SCRO-

TUMcaught in the pants zipper.

In older boys and teens, blunt force injuries are

more common. Most organized athletic activities

and sports require boys to wear a protective cup to

guard against such injuries. In adult men, genital

trauma may occur as a result of blunt force and

during sexual activity that places unusual or

excessive pressure on the erect penis or on the

scrotum and TESTICLES.

Some people and organizations that oppose

routine male infant CIRCUMCISION(surgical removal

of the foreskin) view its practice as a form of male

ritualistic genital mutilation.

Female Genital Trauma

Straddle-type injuries are common in young girls,

though less frequently from bicycles and more

often from activities such as gymnastics and

horseback riding. Activities that result in the

“splits,” whether intentional or accidental, can

cause significant bruising and tearing of the exter-

nal genitals and the PERINEUM(region between the

opening of the VAGINAand the ANUS).

Sexual assault is a frequent cause of genital

trauma in older girls and women, often resulting

from rape (forced, nonconsenting, and violent

SEXUAL INTERCOURSE). Health-care providers tend to

view most circumstances of female genital trauma

with the suspicion that they could represent sex-

ual abuse or assault, in part because it is often the

case and in part because the laws in many com-

munities in the United States require them to do

so. Hospitals and health-care providers must fol-

low specific procedures to preserve potential evi-

dence when treating sexual assault victims.

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