Pudendal Neuralgia
INTRODUCTION
Pudendal Neuralgia – chronic pain in the pelvic region
Although classified as rare, Pudendal Neuralgia is a very real condition that can cause significant pain or numbness in the areas supplied by the pudendal nerve. At the Women’s Clinic, we offer specialist treatments to alleviate the pain caused by this condition.
Pudendal Neuralgia is caused when one of the main nerves in the pelvis, the pudendal nerve, becomes damaged. This damage can occur for a number of reasons, including childbirth, surgery, injury from a fall or collision, and even certain infections. It can also be caused by pressure being applied to the nerve, either from growths or tumours in the area, or by activities which involve a lot of sitting, such as cycling or horse riding.
Patients coping with Pudendal Neuralgia often report intense shooting pain, and feelings of burning, tingling or numbness in their intimate areas. The pain is most often felt in the genitals, the bottom, the perineum (between genitals and anus) or the pelvis. Patients may also experience pain or irregularity in relation to needing the toilet, feelings of constipation or fullness, and lack of sexual satisfaction, including pain during intercourse.
Pudendal Neuralgia can also be a condition associated with Vaginismus – in such cases the spasming introitus muscle can cause radiated pain and inflammation out to the Pudendal nerve.
At the Women’s Clinic we offer specialist Pudendal Nerve Blocking, using cortisone injections that reduce inflammation around the pudendal nerve. Patients first receive a local anaesthetic in the vaginal wall to induce numbness, after which we inject medication direct into the pudendal nerve, usually on both sides of the pelvis.
Correct placement of the injection is crucial for success, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. Our specialist gynaecological surgeon Dr Eliana Casteñata is vastly experienced with the pudendal nerve blocking method, and will administer the treatment with care and precision.
Contact the Women’s Clinic today to discuss whether our cortisone injection treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia could be suitable for your needs.
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TREATMENT
Pudendal Nerve Blocking
Symptoms
- Sharp, shooting pain in the genitals, anus, perineum or pelvic region
- Tingling or burning sensation, or numbness
- Needing to urinate more often
- Feeling constipated
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Pain during sex or urination
£800
Per Treatment
*approx Euro fees are shown on our pricing page
MORE INFORMATION
Read our FAQs about Pudendal Neuralgia
How do I know if I have Pudendal Neuralgia?
Pudendal Neuralgia is relatively uncommon (1 in 100,000 people according to the International Association of Pudendal Neuropathy), and can have very similar symptoms to other conditions, such as Sciatica, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction or Painful vulva/vagina. Diagnosis of Pudendal Neuralgia therefore is often achieved by the ruling out of other potential causes of your symptoms.
Your GP can advise you further on the tests that are available to make a precise diagnosis, but they may include vaginal/rectal examination, a range of scans including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and testing using injections or electrical impulses.
What causes Pudendal Neuralgia?
Pudendal Neuralgia can be caused by lifestyle factors such as sitting too much, bicycling, horse riding and similar activities. It can also come about as a result of injury or surgery, including the effects of childbirth.
Other possible causes include infections like genital herpes, or the pressing upon the pudendal nerve by a tumour or growth in the pelvic region.
Is there a cure for Pudendal Neuralgia?
Unfortunately, Pudendal Neuralgia is a chronic condition, which has no permanent cure. Instead, patients with the condition can receive treatments to alleviate pain through a range of medical approaches.
At the Women’s Clinic we specialise in the Pudendal Nerve Blocking technique, using cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and minimise pain. Your GP will be able to advise you on alternative approaches, such as surgery, physiotherapy and psychological methods.
How effective are cortisone injections in reducing the pain of Pudendal Neuralgia?
We would expect patients to benefit from several months of pain relief following pudendal nerve blocking injections, however this is not 100% guaranteed and outcomes vary from patient to patient.
We offer a post-treatment check-up by phone and normally suggest patients book a follow-up treatment within 6 months to ensure ongoing pain relief.
What are the potential side effects and complications of cortisone treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia?
Patients may experience a temporary increase in pain at the injection site, which should soon fade. Patients also sometimes report soreness, bruising, and temporary numbness in the affected area.
How long is the recovery period after cortisone treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia?
This is a same-day treatment with very brief recovery time – you will be able to walk in and walk out, and will be comfortable enough to travel home by train or car following the procedure.
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GLASGOW
The Women's Clinic
76 West Regent Street
Glasgow
G2 2QZ
Telephone
0141 222 2503
DUBLIN
The Women’s Clinic
(Dr Eliana Castenada)
Trinity Central
Pearse Street
Dublin 2, D02 R590
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