Causes of pudendal neuralgia

Pudendal neuralgia can occur if the pudendal nerve is damaged, irritated or squashed (compressed).

Possible causes include:

• compression of the pudendal nerve by nearby muscles or tissue sometimes called pudendal nerve entrapment or Alcock canal syndrome
• prolonged sitting, cycling, horse riding or constipation (usually for months or years) this can cause repeated minor damage to the pelvic area
• previous surgery to the pelvic area
• a break in one of the bones in the pelvis
• damage to the pudendal nerve during childbirth this may improve after a few months
• a non-cancerous or cancerous growth (tumour) pressing on the pudendal nerve

In some cases, a specific cause isn't identified.