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Pudendal Neuralgia Near Richmond, VA
Experience effective relief from chronic pelvic nerve pain with specialized care
What is Pudendal Neuralgia?
The pudendal nerve transmits sensations to and from the external genitals, lower rectum, and the perineum, which is the area between the genitals and anus. Each side of the pelvis has a pudendal nerve. Neuralgia refers to pain originating from a nerve, so pudendal neuralgia is nerve-related pain in the rectal and genital region caused by the pudendal nerve. The terms neuralgia and neuropathy are often used interchangeably when describing this condition.
The International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) notes that pudendal nerve damage can occur suddenly due to trauma, such as pelvic surgery, falls, bicycle accidents, or childbirth, and sometimes even from severe constipation. It may also develop gradually from repeated strain, such as extensive cycling or intense weightlifting affecting the pelvic muscles. Certain diseases, including diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can contribute to pudendal nerve injury. Trauma may stretch or compress the nerve directly or lead to fibrosis that pinches it. Pudendal neuralgia is frequently linked with dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles.
This condition can result in persistent pain in the vulva, vagina, perineum, and rectum. Pain is often sharp, burning, or aching and may worsen when sitting. It can arise from injuries, surgical procedures, or prolonged pressure on the nerve.
Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia
Pudendal neuralgia may present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the pelvic or genital region
- Pain that intensifies when sitting
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Discomfort during sexual activity
- A sensation of something being present in the vaginal or rectal area
- Relief of symptoms when sitting on a toilet seat, which reduces pressure on the nerve
- Difficulty falling asleep, though it typically does not cause waking during the night
- No measurable loss of sensation
What is the Treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia?
Treatment for pudendal neuralgia aims to relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce pain. Your provider may suggest a combination of approaches, including:
- Medications to control nerve pain
- Nerve blocks or injections to reduce irritation and help confirm the diagnosis
- Lifestyle adjustments to avoid activities that trigger symptoms
- Physical therapy to relax and release the pelvic floor muscles In certain cases, surgery, neurostimulator placement, or nerve ablation may be considered if other treatments are not effective
Who Needs Treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia in Richmond, VA?
Treatment may be suggested for individuals in Richmond, VA who experience:
- Persistent pelvic or genital pain lasting more than a few months
- Pain that worsens when sitting and eases when standing
- Discomfort during or after sexual activity
- Difficulty with bowel or bladder control
- A history of pelvic surgery, injury, or prolonged pressure in the pelvic area
What are the Risks?
If left untreated, pudendal neuralgia can disrupt daily activities, sexual function, and overall quality of life. Because the pain originates from a nerve, it may become more difficult to manage over time without intervention. Seeking care early can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Certain treatments, including nerve blocks or medications, may produce side effects such as temporary numbness, minor bruising, or drowsiness. Your provider will discuss these potential effects with you and guide you in evaluating the benefits of each treatment option.
What To Expect
If you are showing signs of pudendal neuralgia, your provider will begin by reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and performing a pelvic examination. Additional tests, such as imaging or nerve studies, may be ordered to better identify the source of your pain.
Your provider may also assess the pudendal nerve through specific physical tests to determine if certain movements or positions trigger discomfort. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, addressing both immediate relief and long-term management.
Treatment typically begins with conservative approaches, including physical therapy and medication. Your provider will guide you through each option, explain what to expect, and provide support throughout your recovery process.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is devoted to enhancing your health by providing expert care across multiple areas, with a strong emphasis on gynecological services and advanced surgical procedures when surgery is necessary.
Our team brings specialized knowledge in the non-surgical management of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort in the vaginal, vulvar, and bladder regions.
Since our establishment, we have recognized the community’s need for comprehensive care beyond specialized treatments. Our practice has expanded to include routine gynecologic services, cancer screenings, Pap tests, menopause management, evaluation and treatment of hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast health services, contraceptive guidance, management of urinary incontinence, and care for pelvic organ prolapse, providing a full spectrum of support for women’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pudendal nerve travels through the pelvis and provides sensation to the genital and anal regions. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can result in pudendal nerve pain, often described as burning, stabbing, or aching sensations in the pelvic area.
Pudendal nerve entrapment is one potential cause of pudendal neuralgia. It occurs when the nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues or blood vessels, leading to pelvic pain that typically worsens while sitting.
Yes, physical therapy that focuses on releasing and stretching the pelvic floor muscles can help relieve pressure on the pudendal nerve, often providing significant and lasting pain relief.
A pudendal nerve block involves injecting medication near the pudendal nerve. These injections are commonly used both to help confirm a diagnosis and to provide targeted pain relief.
Pudendal nerve decompression is a surgical procedure designed to relieve nerve entrapment when nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy or nerve blocks have not been effective. Some surgeons perform this procedure laparoscopically, while others use an open or external incision approach.
Yes, because the pudendal nerve is responsible for sensation in the genital area, pudendal neuralgia can contribute to sexual issues, including pain during intercourse, clitoral pain, or hypersensitivity to touch.
Chronic pelvic pain is a general term for ongoing pain in the pelvic region. Pudendal neuralgia, however, refers to a specific type of nerve pain that originates from the pudendal nerve.
No, most individuals with pudendal nerve pain in Richmond, VA find relief through nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy, medication, and nerve block injections. Surgery, such as pudendal nerve decompression, is usually considered only when other options have not been successful, as the success rate is generally modest.
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