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Nerve Blocks: Pudendal Nerve Treatment Near Richmond, VA
Find lasting relief with expertly tailored pudendal nerve block treatments
What is a Pudendal Nerve Block?
Some patients experiencing pelvic pain, both men and women, have pain directly transmitted through the pudendal nerves. A pudendal nerve block can provide precise pain relief by stopping these pain signals, offering significant and immediate relief.
The pudendal nerves, one on each side of the body, are located in the pelvis and carry sensation from the external genitalia, anus, and perineum, the area between the genitals and anus. They also partially control the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the external anal sphincter, which helps regulate bowel movements. Injury or compression of this nerve can result in pelvic pain, discomfort while sitting, pain during arousal, ejaculation, or sex, and sensory issues such as numbness, burning, tingling, or pins and needles.
Our skilled team develops a personalized plan based on your specific needs and health goals. By prioritizing your comfort and well-being, we aim to relieve pudendal neuralgia and help you return to daily activities with reduced pain.
Why is a Pudendal Nerve Block Performed?
A pudendal nerve block may be recommended for several purposes:
- Determine if the pudendal nerve is contributing to your pain
- Alleviate discomfort by reducing pain signals from these nerves
- Assist in managing chronic pelvic pain
- Provide pain relief during childbirth or gynecological procedures
- Ease pain in the area between the genitals and anus following childbirth
- Support recovery and manage pain after surgeries involving the rectum or urinary system
Who Needs a Pudendal Nerve Block in Richmond, VA?
You may benefit from a pudendal nerve block if:
- You are experiencing pelvic pain linked to the pudendal nerve
- You require pain relief during childbirth or other reproductive system procedures
What are the Risks?
Pudendal nerve blocks are usually safe, but like all medical procedures, they carry certain risks. These may involve minor bleeding, the chance of infection, temporary effects on surrounding nerves, or reactions to the anesthetic used. Your healthcare provider will go over all potential risks with you prior to the treatment.
What To Expect
In a pudendal nerve block procedure, your clinician carefully injects a local anesthetic near the ischial spine, a bony structure in the pelvis, to temporarily numb the area. The nerve can be approached either through the vaginal route or the buttocks.
The injection may be guided using anatomical reference points, a nerve stimulator to locate the nerve precisely, or imaging tools such as ultrasound or real-time X-ray to ensure the procedure is safe and accurate.
The anesthetic blocks the pudendal nerve, aiming to reduce pain and discomfort. Temporary numbness in the genital region is normal and part of the pain relief process. Your provider will stay with you throughout the procedure to answer questions and ensure your comfort.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to promoting your overall health by providing expert care across a wide range of gynecological services, with particular emphasis on advanced surgical procedures when surgery is required.
Our team brings extensive experience in non-surgical approaches for managing chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, as well as discomfort affecting the vaginal, vulvar, and bladder areas.
From the very beginning, we have understood the importance of offering more than just specialized care, and our practice has grown to include comprehensive gynecologic services. These services include routine examinations, cancer screenings, Pap tests, menopausal care, evaluation and treatment of hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast health monitoring, contraceptive guidance, management of urinary incontinence, and treatment for pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is important to understand that each patient’s response can vary. Typically, the anesthetic from the injection produces temporary numbness that lasts around 6 to 8 hours. Beyond this initial period, many patients experience relief that can continue for several weeks or even months. When a steroid is included with the anesthetic, it may take up to a week to reach full effect. Some patients notice longer-lasting relief when the block is repeated over time.
A pudendal nerve block can serve as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment option because it focuses on a specific nerve, which can reduce the need for systemic pain medications that affect the whole body and may cause side effects. Your provider will help you evaluate whether this approach is the most suitable for your situation.
If you are experiencing ongoing pelvic pain, discomfort while sitting, or unusual sensations in the genital area, a pudendal nerve block may be appropriate. Discuss your symptoms with your provider, who can determine whether this treatment is the best choice for you.
Your provider will carefully review your medical history, including any allergies to local anesthetics, to ensure the procedure is safe. They will recommend the safest approach to manage your pain effectively.
A pudendal nerve block specifically targets the pudendal nerve to treat pain associated with chronic pelvic discomfort and perineal pain. Other nerve blocks may focus on different nerves depending on the location and type of pain being addressed.