Scrotal Contusion: How to Care for Your Child

Most scrotal contusions (bruises) happen from a bump or fall during sports or active play. The injury may cause blood to leak out from small blood vessels called capillaries. This can cause soreness, swelling, and "black and blue" marks on the skin.

Your child was checked to rule out any damage to the organs inside the scrotum. An ultrasound may have been done to help check for injury to the testicles. Over the next 2 weeks, the bruise should gradually become less painful and fade in color until it is gone.

• If your child is uncomfortable, and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.

• For the next 2 days, have your child apply a cold pack to the bruised area every few hours. It can be left in place for 10–15 minutes each time but should be removed earlier if it feels irritating. Wrap the cold pack in cloth or a towel — ice should not be applied directly to the skin.

• Your child should wear supportive underwear (briefs rather than boxers) until the pain eases.

• Let your child rest as needed until the pain eases.

• Schedule a follow-up visit with your health care provider as recommended.

The bruise does not go away after 2 weeks.

Your child:

• has increased pain

• has increased swelling in the scrotum

• has blood in the urine (pee)

• has pain in the belly or side

• is vomiting

• has signs of infection, such as drainage, warmth, redness, or fever

What is the scrotum? The scrotum is the pouch at the bottom of the penis. It holds the testicles (the organs that make sperm). It also holds the tubes that sperm travel through before leaving the body.

What can help prevent future scrotal injuries? Your child can wear an athletic supporter or an athletic cup when playing sports or doing a heavy activity:

• Athletic supporters (jock straps) are cloth pouches that support the scrotum and penis. They keep the genitals close to the body, and are helpful during strenuous exercise, cycling, and heavy lifting.

• Athletic cups usually are made of hard plastic and often inserted into athletic supporters or held in place by briefs that are snug and made for sports. They shield the genitals and protect them from getting hit or kicked. Cups are helpful during high-contact sports, like karate, and sports where a ball or puck can hit the genitals such as football, hockey, soccer, or baseball.