Q:

This is really embarrassing but I have been wondering about this for the longest time. I am now 18 but when I was seven years old I was playing on the monkey-bars and I wasn't paying attention and I slipped and fell (on the side where you put your feet to stand up). This is kind of gross but when I fell, I apparently hit hard between my legs. I got off the monkey-bars and I felt in so much pain (I later fainted) and I could barely walk but I managed to get to the bathroom. When I got there I realized that my vagina was bleeding a lot (it wasn't my period because I was only seven). I never went to see a doctor (which was a big mistake) and for many years I have been scared that this impact could have permanently damaged something down there but I just don’t know. I am really scared that this injury could have prevented my chance to have children and I was also wondering if this can affect whether or not I can have orgasm. Also I was wondering if there are other things I should be concerned about because of the fall. Sorry that this is long but I have had this concern for such a long time and I hope that you can answer it in some way. Thanks!

 

A:

As long as there have been little girls playing on monkey bars (and riding bikes) there has been this kind of straddle injury. Typically the bleeding comes from the vulva, and possibly the hymenal membrane, but it is unlikely you had any internal damage whatsoever, because this was not a penetrating injury.

There should be no reason physiologically why you should not be able to orgasm, have normal intercourse and have babies. What you would benefit from is a careful examination by one of our women's nurse practitioners to review the injury, look for any scarring and to confirm that your examination is normal (which is presumed if you are having normal periods now). So knowing things are okay may help a great deal in helping you feel more relaxed about your body, including being able to reach orgasm on your own.

Don't hesitate to call for an appointment.

~The Doc