Pudendal nerve pain, also referred to as pudendal neuralgia, is caused by impingement, entrapment, or compression of the pudendal nerve located deep within the pelvic girdle or bony pelvis. The condition affects both men and women. Because pudendal neuralgia is a rarely occurring type of pain, it is sometimes referred to as an orphan condition.
Anatomy of Pudendal Nerve Pain
Pudendal nerve pain typically affects the areas of the body that would touch a saddle or a bicycle seat. Specifically, this includes the tailbone and buttocks, the hip, the back of the thigh, and the area in between the thighs. Men may perceive the pain in their penis, while women may describe pain in their labial area or in the urethra. Location of the pain varies in accordance to where the impingement occurs along the nerve pathway. Pain can occur on one side of the body or on both sides.
Characteristics of Pudendal Nerve Pain
The onset of pudendal nerve pain can be gradual or sudden. People experiencing this type of pain typically have great difficulty sitting. Lying down or standing up often relieves the pain. It may feel like an intense burning or stabbing sensation accompanied by spasms of the gluteal muscles in the buttocks. Urinary symptoms such as incontinence, hesitation, and urgency are not uncommon. Pain may occur both during and after sexual intercourse. Constipation due to nerve compression, and anorectal pain may also occur.
Causes of Pudendal Nerve Pain
Pudendal nerve pain can occur after a traumatic injury to the region such as a fall. Childbirth may precipitate the onset of pudendal nerve pain. Prolonged sitting, such as what occurs during long-distance travel or bicycling, can result in compression of the nerve, causing pudendal pain. Diagnosis can be problematic as pudendal nerve pain is often mistaken for other conditions such as sciatica and prostatitis.
