Genital trauma is trauma to the genitalia. History of studying genital trauma
Doctors and nurses have been conducting sexual assault examinations and have been collecting evidence for victims of assault for 20 years. But the amount of scientific data collected on genital injuries post-sexual assault are still minimal. Therefore, there is no available evidence to show specific patterns of injury resulting from sexual assault. The motivation for investigating and collecting data on genital injuries has primarily been within the context of the legal system, such as proving or disproving sexual assault, rather than for medical purposes. The studies that have been done in the past 25 years in relation to sexual assault cases in the judicial system has laid the groundwork for interpreting sexual assault injuries. It is important for there to research on genital injuries more broadly relating to sexual activity (and not just sexual assault) to improve medical knowledge on the subject. Methods of studying and documenting genital injury has greatly improved through the use of tissue staining dyes and colposcopy. The first studies that used newer methods were retrospective chart reviews done in a hospital by a doctor or nurse. These studies used several different methods to identify and document injuries, such as direct visualization, colposcopy, and/or tissue staining dyes. Earlier studies only used direct visualization for their data.
Vaginal trauma from consensual and non-consensual intercourse
Vaginal trauma is possible during and after consensual and non-consensual intercourse so it is difficult to determine the circumstances in which the trauma occurs only based on a physical examination. It can be difficult to differentiate between injuries from consensual sex and injuries from sexual assault in adolescents. Women are three times more likely to have vaginal injuries and intercourse-related injuries from a forced assault than from a consensual sexual experience. Vaginal lacerations that happen during consensual or non consensual intercourse might need surgery, but victims of a forced assault will need additional services such as police intervention and trauma counseling. There is little research on minor injuries in adult, pre-menopausal women, adolescent girls, and post-menopausal women that do not require surgery or treatment. Why does vaginal trauma occur? There are factors that can predispose women to vaginal injury during consensual sex. These things include: first sexual experience, pregnancy, vigorous penetration, vaginal atrophy and spasm, previous operation or radiation therapy, disproportionate genitalia, penile ornamentation, and congenital anomalies. During vaginal intercourse in the missionary position with legs tilted all the way back, the penis reaches its deepest penetration and the extreme rotation of the uterus leads to hyper distention of the vaginal wall, which in some cases can cause it to rupture. This position is the most likely position for vaginal laceration. The vaginal wall on the right side is the most commonly torn sight in this position. Vaginal lengthening and lubrication usually occurs naturally in a consensual sexual situation.