The Forensic Nurse

While genital injury during a sexual assault is not all that common, there are some warning signs that you should look for. Injury may or not be immediately visible to the naked eye, or even with a woods lamp.

Symptoms of Genital Injuries in Females may include:

• pain in the abdomen

• pain inside or outside the vagina

• bleeding

• swelling

• redness and swelling within the vagina

• painful urination

• inability to urinate

• foul smelling discharge

• feeling faint

Signs of Genital Injuries in Females may include:

• cuts or tears anywhere in the genital region

• an object embedded in the vagina

• bite marks on the genitalia

• bruising of the vulva, the outside of the vagina

• bleeding under the skin of the vulva

• change in the shape of the vaginal lips, vulva, or other areas

• swelling

• redness and swelling within the vagina

• shock