How to Identify Symptoms of a Bladder or Genitourinary Injury

A bladder injury is not always the easiest thing to diagnose. Any type of genitourinary injury that involves the kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra (which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder to the outside of the body) may be caused by blunt force trauma, soft tissue injuries or even illnesses.
In most cases, a genitourinary injury results from a trauma caused by accidents, contact sports or other blows to the lower abdominal area. Left untreated, such an injury may cause a wide variety of complications, including--but not limited to--internal bleeding and infection.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay immediate attention to any sudden and severe abdominal pain, either following an obvious injury or after engaging in contact sports.

• 2

  Watch for signs of shock in anyone who has received a blow to the lower abdomen. Signs of shock may include a feeling of faintness, sweating, nausea, a racing pulse, and cold and clammy skin.

• 3

  Experiencing any pain when urinating is an indication that an injury may have occurred. Also, if you experience an inability to urinate, seek medical attention immediately.

• 4

  Watch for signs of pain or tenderness, especially in the back just under the ribs, where the kidneys are located.

• 5

  Be especially watchful for any signs of blood in the urine, as this may indicate that a kidney has been injured.