Pudendal Neuralgia

What Is Pudendal Neuralgia?

Pudendal neuralgia is a type of nerve pain caused by irritation, compression, or inflammation of the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to parts of the pelvic region. It can cause persistent or intermittent pain around the pelvis, perineum, genitals, or anal area and may become worse with prolonged sitting.


Common Causes of Pudendal Neuralgia

Possible Causes

  1. Compression or irritation of the pudendal nerve
  2. Pelvic or perineal injury
  3. Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
  4. Prolonged sitting or cycling
  5. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
  6. Scar tissue around the nerve
  7. Repetitive strain affecting the pelvic region
Common Risk Factors

  1. Long periods of sitting
  2. Frequent cycling
  3. Pelvic trauma
  4. Previous pelvic procedures
  5. Pelvic floor muscle tension
  6. Repetitive physical activities
  7. Nerve irritation or entrapment

Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia

The symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of nerve irritation. Common symptoms may include:

  • Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the pelvic region
  • Pain in the perineum, genital, or anal area
  • Pain that becomes worse while sitting
  • Tingling, numbness, or unusual sensations
  • Pelvic discomfort that may improve when standing or lying down
  • Discomfort during or after prolonged physical activity

How Is Pudendal Neuralgia Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of symptoms. A pain specialist may recommend a combination of conservative and minimally invasive approaches to reduce nerve irritation and improve daily comfort.

  • Medicines for nerve-related pain
  • Pelvic floor-focused physical therapy
  • Activity and sitting-position modification
  • Targeted pudendal nerve blocks
  • Image-guided minimally invasive pain procedures
  • Treatment of contributing pelvic or musculoskeletal problems

How Vedant Pain Management Clinic Can Help

At Vedant Pain Management Clinic, pudendal neuralgia is evaluated by carefully reviewing your symptoms, medical history, physical findings, and possible sources of nerve irritation. Our approach focuses on identifying the pain generator and providing personalised treatment options, including targeted minimally invasive procedures when appropriate, with the goal of reducing pain and improving comfort during daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pudendal neuralgia is a condition involving irritation, compression, or inflammation of the pudendal nerve. It can cause pain or unusual sensations in the pelvic, perineal, genital, or anal region.

Pudendal neuralgia may be associated with prolonged sitting, cycling, pelvic injuries, previous surgery, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, scar tissue, or compression of the pudendal nerve.

Symptoms may include burning, stabbing, aching, or shooting pelvic pain, discomfort in the perineal or genital area, tingling, numbness, and pain that becomes worse with prolonged sitting.

Yes. Pain from pudendal neuralgia commonly becomes more noticeable during prolonged sitting because pressure on the pelvic region can irritate the affected nerve.

Diagnosis usually involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. Depending on the symptoms, additional tests or imaging may be recommended to identify possible causes and rule out other conditions.

Treatment may include medicines for nerve pain, pelvic floor physical therapy, activity modification, and targeted pain procedures. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and individual symptoms.

A pudendal nerve block may provide targeted pain relief for selected patients. It can also help a pain specialist assess whether the pudendal nerve is contributing to the symptoms.

Many patients can be managed with non-surgical approaches such as activity modification, physical therapy, medicines, and targeted nerve blocks. Treatment is selected according to the cause and severity of the condition.

The duration varies from person to person and depends on the underlying cause and severity of nerve irritation. Some cases improve with appropriate treatment, while persistent symptoms may require specialist care.

You should consider consulting a pain specialist if pelvic pain persists, worsens with sitting, affects sleep or daily activities, or does not improve with initial treatment. Specialist evaluation can help identify the pain source and guide appropriate treatment.
Meet Our Specialist

Dr. Mohit Gupta

Interventional Pain Physician & Pain Specialist

Dr. Mohit Gupta is a highly experienced Interventional Pain Physician dedicated to helping patients overcome chronic pain and regain a better quality of life. He combines advanced, minimally invasive pain management techniques with compassionate, personalized care.

10+ Years Experience
Advanced Pain Therapies
Patient-First Care
Dr Mohit Gupta