Pudendal neuralgia
Tests for pudendal neuralgia
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and may carry out an examination of the area to check for any obvious causes of your pain.
If they think you could have pudendal neuralgia, or they're not sure what's causing your pain, theymay refer you to a specialist for further tests.
These tests may include:
- a vaginal or rectal exam to see if the pain occurs when your doctor applies pressure to the pudendal nerve with their finger
- a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check for problems such as entrapment (compression) of the pudendal nerve and rule out other possible causes of your pain
- nerve studies a small device inserted into your rectum is used to stimulate nearby nerves with mild electrical impulses to check how well the nerves are working
- nerve block injections painkilling medication is injectedaround the pudendal nerve to see if your pain improves
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about pudendal neuralgia, including what the symptoms are, what can cause it, and how it can be treated.
Symptoms of pudendal neuralgia
The main symptom of pudendal neuralgia is Pelvic pain . Any of the areas supplied by the pudendal nerve can be affected. The pain may: feel like a burning, crushing, shooting or prickling sensation
When to getmedical advice
See your GP if you have persistent pelvic pain. Don't delay seeking advice if the pain is causing problems. Pudendal neuralgia can continue to get worse if left untreated, and early treatment may be
Tests for pudendal neuralgia
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and may carry out an examination of the area to check for any obvious causes of your pain. If they think you could have pudendal neuralgia, or they're not sure wh
Treatments for pudendal neuralgia
Treatments for pudendal neuralgia include: avoiding things that make the pain worse, such as cycling, constipation or prolonged sitting it may help to use a special ring-shaped cushion when sitti
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 c
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