Pudendal neuralgia refers to chronic pelvic pain involving the sensory distribution of the pudendal nerve. This can be a painful and disabling neuropathic condition.
Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia
Pain in the clitoris, vulva, perineum, and rectum, especially when sitting
Sensation of a foreign body in the vagina, perineum or rectum, often only on one side
Sudden or frequent need to use the bathroom
Pain during sex
For men, difficulty getting an erection
Causes
No causative factors have yet been identified, but bicycle riding (spinning), vaginal childbirth, episiotomy, trauma to the coccyx (tailbone), trauma to the pelvis, pelvic surgery, and vaginal surgery can all result in injury to the pudendal nerve or one of its branches.
Preventions
Treatment for pudendal neuralgia typically involves a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medicines. This may include pudendal nerve blocks, ablations and avoiding certain types of exercise.