Pudendal Neuralgia

Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the pudendal nerve, which is the main nerve that supplies sensation to the genitals and anus. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling in the genitals, anus, and perineum (the area between the genitals and anus).

Pudendal neuralgia is often caused by damage or irritation to the pudendal nerve, which can be the result of various factors, such as childbirth, surgery, or chronic straining during activities like cycling or horseback riding.

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What are the symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia?

Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia present differently for males and females.  Females with pudendal neuralgia can experience severe burning sensations or prickly pains around the genitals, more so in the vulva and the clitoris. Many patients describe it as like sitting on a jagged rock.

Men tend to experience pain around the testicles and in the end of the penis. In both men and women, the symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, the pain can be both constant and intermittent. It can be made worse when sitting down, especially for long periods. Some relief is felt when standing or laying down.

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CausesTreatments

What Causes Pudendal Neuralgia?

The cause of this condition is often damage or irritation to the pudendal nerve, which can be the result of various factors. Some common causes of pudendal neuralgia include:

  • Childbirth: The process of childbirth can put a lot of strain on the pudendal nerve, which can lead to damage or irritation and the development of pudendal neuralgia.
  • Surgery: Certain surgical procedures, particularly those involving the pelvis or lower abdomen, can cause damage to the pudendal nerve and lead to pudendal neuralgia.
  • Chronic straining: Activities that involve frequent or prolonged straining, such as cycling, horseback riding, or heavy lifting, can put pressure on the pudendal nerve and cause pudendal neuralgia.
  • Inflammation or infection: Inflammation or infection in the pelvic region can also lead to irritation or damage to the pudendal nerve and the development of pudendal neuralgia.

What Treatments are Available for Pudendal Neuralgia?

Treatment for pudendal neuralgia may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, and other conservative measures. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s symptoms and the underlying cause of their pudendal neuralgia. Some common treatments for pudendal neuralgia include:

  • Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of chronic pain conditions, including pudendal neuralgia. Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area, which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and promotes the healing of damaged tissue. This can help to reduce pain and improve overall function. In the case of pudendal neuralgia, shockwave therapy can help to reduce the pressure on the pudendal nerve and alleviate the associated pain.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help to manage the pain associated with pudendal neuralgia. In some cases, other medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants, may be used to help control the pain.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles in the pelvic region, which can help to reduce the pressure on the pudendal nerve and relieve pain. A physical therapist can also provide exercises and stretches that can help to manage the pain and improve overall function.

In severe cases of pudendal neuralgia, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the pudendal nerve and alleviate the pain. This type of surgery is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have not been successful in managing the pain.

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An Introduction to Treating Urological Conditions with Shockwave Therapy

We’ve produced this short video to explain shockwave therapy can be used to effectively treat the common root causes of erectile dysfunction, though it is also relevant to all urological conditions covered on the ED Clinics website.

Treat pudendal neuralgia naturally without medication or invasive surgery. Harnesses the body's own healing power to repair blood vessels and nerves.

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