Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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 PENIS and SCROTUM; the internal male genitalia
are the URETHRA, TESTICLES, VAS DEFERENS, bulbourethral
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 VULVA or pudendum.
The female internal genitalia are the OVARIES,
FALLOPIAN TUBES, UTERUS, CERVIX, and VAGINA.
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
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(such as being struck with a thrown or kicked
ball), and toileting injuries (such as the toilet seat
falling onto the PENIS or getting the penis or SCRO-
TUM caught 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 external
genitals and the PERINEUM (region between the
opening of the VAGINA and 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 sexual
abuse or assault, in part because it is often the
case and in part because the laws in many communities
in the United States require them to do
so. Hospitals and health-care providers must follow
specific procedures to preserve potential evidence
when treating sexual assault victims.