Pudendal Neuralgia

The Vulvar Pain Clinic is the clinic of choice for anyone who is suffering from the pain, discomfort and other difficult issues that are caused by pudendal neuralgia. Our world-class Pudendal Pain Doctors are highly experienced in this field, and after you have had an online or in-person consultation (during which they will review your medical history, and ask you pertinent questions), they will then arrange for any necessary exam, pelvic MRI scan, EMG and other diagnostic tests required for an accurate diagnosis. Once these have been attained, they will then provide you with a comprehensive Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan. This is likely to include multiple proven conventional and cutting-edge treatments including: pharmaceuticals, non-invasive therapies and techniques, and minimally invasive injectables.

As our Pain Doctors regularly explain to our patients: pudendal neuralgia refers to: a disorder which generates numbness, discomfort and pain, in the pelvis or genital region. It stems from an irritated or damaged pudendal nerve (a key nerve which travels from the back of the pelvis to the base of the vagina or penis, after which it branches out to other nerves). Moreover, the pudendal nerve transmits messages to the brain from several nearby body parts. These include the anus and the genitals. Furthermore, this nerve has control over the sphincter muscles which open and close when we go to the toilet. So to that end, pudendal neuralgia can make sitting down, having sex, and going to the toilet very difficult. Of note: whilst research shows that pudendal neuralgia is apparent in both males and females, approximately two-thirds of sufferers are in fact, women.

Pudendal Neuralgia Treatments Offered by the Vulvar Pain Clinic

  • Pharmaceuticals (medication for pain relief, muscle relaxants, analgesics, NSAIDs, and neuropathic pain medication)
  • Specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy
  • Pulsed radio-frequency
  • Pudendal nerve block: this involves your Pain Doctor utilising ultrasound/x-ray guidance to pinpoint the exact area where they should inject a local anaesthetic and steroid in order to block nerve impulses. This minimally invasive procedure will provide immediate temporary relief from rectal, genital, and/or coccyx (tailbone) pain (AKA pudendal neuralgia). Of note: when patients have regular pudendal nerve block injections (inline with recommendations by their Pain Specialist), in many cases, it can substantially reduce or eliminate the pain
  • Botox injections to help relax the muscles surrounding the pudendal nerve
  • Advice on modifying lifestyle and activities

Causes of Pudendal Neuralgia

 Nerve compression or entrapment

  • Pelvic surgery or trauma
  • Structural abnormalities
  • Inflammation
  • Scar tissue
  • Muscle spasms

 Risk Factors Linked to Pudendal Neuralgia

  • Repetitive activities
  • Prolonged Sitting
  • Pelvic trauma
  • Pelvic surgery
  • Giving birth
  • Pelvic spasm or muscle tension

 Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms and Impact

  • Burning
  • Sharp pain
  • Sensitivity
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Worse when sitting down
  • Bladder and bowel dysfunction
  • Pain whilst having sex