Nerve Blocks: Pudendal Nerve Treatment Near Fredericksburg, VA

Find relief with targeted pudendal nerve block treatments to ease discomfort and improve comfort.

What is a Pudendal Nerve Block?

Some individuals experiencing pelvic pain, regardless of gender, may suffer from direct pain signals through the pudendal nerves. A pudendal nerve block can provide focused pain relief by interrupting these signals, leading to noticeable pain reduction.

The pudendal nerves, located on each side of the pelvis, carry sensations from the external genitalia, anus, and perineum and help control pelvic floor muscles, such as the external anal sphincter. When this nerve is damaged or compressed, it can cause pelvic discomfort, pain while sitting, and problems during arousal, ejaculation, and sexual activities, along with unusual sensations like numbness, tingling, or burning.

For individuals in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas, our skilled team will collaborate with you to design a customized treatment plan to address your specific concerns and health objectives. By prioritizing your comfort, we aim to alleviate pudendal neuralgia and help you regain a pain-free daily routine.

Why is a Pudendal Nerve Block Performed?

A pudendal nerve block may be recommended for several reasons:

To determine if the pudendal nerve is contributing to your pain
To alleviate discomfort by blocking pain signals from the pudendal nerves
To assist in managing ongoing pelvic pain
To provide relief during childbirth or gynecological procedures
To ease discomfort in the perineal area following childbirth
To accelerate recovery and offer pain control after surgeries involving the rectum or urinary system

Who Needs a Pudendal Nerve Block?

A pudendal nerve block may be necessary if:

You're experiencing pelvic pain linked to pudendal nerve issues
You require pain relief during childbirth or reproductive system-related procedures

What are the Risks?

Pudendal nerve blocks are typically safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These may include infection, bleeding, temporary nerve block in the surrounding area, or local anesthetic toxicity. For individuals in Fredericksburg, your healthcare provider will review these possible risks with you prior to the procedure.

What To Expect

During a pudendal nerve block, your healthcare provider will inject a local anesthetic, which causes temporary numbness, near the ischial spine (a bone in the pelvis). The procedure is performed either through the vagina or buttocks.

The injection is guided by either anatomical landmarks (with the nerve located just 1 centimeter from the ischial spine), a nerve stimulator (to pinpoint the nerve), or imaging techniques like ultrasound or real-time x-rays for precision and safety.

The anesthetic will block the pudendal nerve to provide pain relief, leading to temporary numbness in the genital area, which is expected. Your provider will be with you throughout, ensuring your comfort and addressing any questions.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

Founded in 2018, the Center for Advanced Gynecology is committed to enhancing your health with a focus on expert gynecological care and advanced surgical options when necessary.

Our team specializes in non-surgical treatments for chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort related to the vagina, vulva, and bladder.

Since our inception, we've seen a growing need in the Fredericksburg community for more than just specialty care. We now offer a broad range of services, including routine gynecologic care, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormone therapy, breast health, contraceptive services, and treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

The duration of relief from a pudendal nerve block can vary from patient to patient. Typically, the numbing effect lasts around 6-8 hours, with potential pain relief extending from weeks to months. If a steroid is added to the anesthetic, it may take up to a week to begin working, and some patients may experience longer-lasting relief with repeat treatments.

Pudendal nerve blocks offer a targeted approach to pain relief, making them effective for both diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the pudendal nerve. Unlike systemic pain medications that affect the whole body and may cause side effects, this localized treatment can provide focused relief. Your provider will guide you in determining if it's the right option for your needs.

If you're dealing with chronic pelvic pain, discomfort while sitting, or strange sensations in the genital area, a pudendal nerve block could be a potential solution. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.

Before administering the nerve block, your provider will thoroughly review your medical history and any allergies you may have to local anesthetics. They will then adjust the treatment plan to ensure it's safe and effective for your pain management.

A pudendal nerve block is specifically designed to target the pudendal nerve, offering relief from chronic pelvic pain and discomfort in the perineal area. In contrast, other nerve blocks focus on different nerves depending on the area of pain, providing more generalized or specific pain relief based on the condition.