Nerve Blocks: Pudendal Nerve Treatment Near Lynchburg, VA

Find targeted relief with specialized pudendal nerve block therapies designed for effective treatment.

What is a Pudendal Nerve Block?

Some individuals in Lynchburg experiencing pelvic pain, regardless of gender, may have pain signals directly transmitted through the pudendal nerves. A pudendal nerve block can effectively interrupt these signals, providing quick and noticeable pain relief.

The pudendal nerves, located on each side of the body, are responsible for sensations in the external genitalia, anus, and perineum. They also assist with controlling pelvic floor muscles, including the external anal sphincter, which aids in bowel control. Any damage or compression of these nerves can lead to pain, discomfort while sitting, sexual dysfunction, and abnormal sensations such as tingling, burning, or numbness.

Our experienced team will collaborate with you to develop a tailored treatment plan focused on your unique needs and wellness goals. With an emphasis on improving your comfort, our aim is to alleviate pudendal neuralgia and help you return to your everyday life with less pain and greater ease.

Why is a Pudendal Nerve Block Performed?

A pudendal nerve block may be used for the following purposes:

Diagnose whether the pudendal nerve is involved in your pain
Provide relief by reducing pain signals originating from these nerves
Help manage long-term pelvic pain
Provide pain relief during childbirth or gynecological procedures
Reduce pain in the area between the genitals and anus after giving birth
Speed up recovery and provide pain control after surgeries related to the rectum or urinary system

Who Needs a Pudendal Nerve Block?

A pudendal nerve block may be necessary if:

You're dealing with pain in the pelvic area caused by issues with the pudendal nerve
You need pain relief for childbirth or other procedures related to the reproductive system

What are the Risks?

Pudendal nerve blocks are typically safe, but, as with any medical procedure, they carry some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, inadvertent numbness of a nearby nerve, or local anesthetic toxicity. Your healthcare provider will review these possible risks with you prior to the procedure.

What To Expect

During a pudendal nerve block, your provider will inject a local anesthetic into the region around the ischial spine, a bony area of the pelvis. The injection is performed either through the vaginal area or the buttocks.

The procedure may be guided by anatomical landmarks (the nerve is located about 1 centimeter from the ischial spine), a nerve stimulator (which helps pinpoint the nerve), or imaging techniques like ultrasound or real-time x-ray to ensure precision and safety.

The anesthetic will block the pudendal nerve to alleviate pain, resulting in temporary numbness in the genital area, which is a normal part of the process. Your clinician will be available to address any concerns and ensure your comfort throughout.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

Founded in 2018, the Center for Advanced Gynecology is committed to enhancing your health through specialized care, particularly in gynecological services and advanced surgical options when necessary.

Our team offers expert non-surgical treatments for conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, and pain related to the vagina, vulva, and bladder.

Since our inception, we've observed the growing need in the Lynchburg community for comprehensive care beyond specialties. Our expanding practice now includes routine gynecologic services, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal care, hormone therapy, breast health, contraceptive counseling, urinary incontinence treatment, and pelvic organ prolapse management.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important to note that the duration of the effect can vary from person to person. Typically, the numbness lasts for 6-8 hours following the injection, with pain relief potentially lasting weeks or even months after. If a steroid is used along with the anesthetic, it may take up to a week to experience full effects. Some patients in Lynchburg report longer-lasting relief with repeated treatments.

A pudendal nerve block can be an effective solution for both diagnosing and treating pelvic pain. By focusing on a specific nerve, it reduces the need for systemic pain medications, which can often cause unwanted side effects. Your healthcare provider will assist you in determining if this treatment is suitable for your condition.

If you are dealing with chronic pelvic discomfort, pain while sitting, or unusual sensations in the genital region, a pudendal nerve block may be an appropriate option. Consult with your provider to discuss your symptoms and determine whether this treatment is the right choice for you.

Your provider will thoroughly review your medical history, including any allergies to local anesthetics, to ensure the procedure is safe for you. They will tailor the pain management approach to meet your specific needs.

While a pudendal nerve block focuses specifically on the pudendal nerve to address pain in the pelvic and perineal regions, other nerve blocks target different nerves based on the location of pain. Each nerve block is tailored to the area that needs treatment.