Understanding Pudendal Neuralgia (PNE): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Pudendal neuralgia is a condition that causes pain, discomfort, or numbness in the pelvis or genitals. It happens when a major nerve (pudendal) in the lower body is damaged or irritated, and it can make it hard to use the bathroom, have sex, or sit down. The pain comes and goes.The pudendal nerve runs from the back of the pelvis to near the base of the penis or vagina, where it branches off into other nerves. It sends messages to the brain from the genitals, anus, and other nearby body parts.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Tibial neuropathy
- Sural neuropathy
- Foot neuritis
- Ankle neuritis
- Postsurgical neuroma
- Peripheral nerve compression
- Peripheral nerve entrapment

Signs & symptoms

Pudendal neuralgia symptoms are usually related to lower body, genitals, or perineum (the area between genitals and anus). These may include:
- A sharp or burning pain
- More sensitivity
- Numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling
- A swollen feeling

These feelings might be worse when you sit down. Or you may have symptoms on both sides of your body, and they might go into your belly, buttocks, or legs.
You also may have problems such as:
- A sudden or frequent need to go to the bathroom
- Trouble or pain during sex
- For men, problems getting an erection

Diagnosis

Pudendal neuralgia can be very difficult to diagnose, as no specific test exists. Therefore, diagnosis of this condition relies heavily on a proper history and physical examination.
History should first be directed at identifying symptoms of pudendal neuralgia and physical examination may include pressre tests in the vagiba or rectum. The doctor may also offer you a pudendal nerve block. This is a shot you get in your pelvis to numb the nerve and see if your symptoms go away.

Treatment

Most people with pudendal neuralgia get treatment with a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medicines- muscle relaxants, antidepressant and Anti-epileptic drugs might help.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital