P15: Other birth injuries

P15.5: Birth injury to external genitalia

The external female genital organs include the labia, the clitoris and the skin around the vagina. The external male genitals include the penis and the testicles.

The child is subjected to great pressure during the birth. If a forceps or vacuum cup are used, the child will also be pulled. Pressure and pulling can cause injuries to the child's external genital organs.

If the external genital organs get injured, blood can collect in the tissue. This is called a hematoma. The child may have swelling and pain.