Experiencing pelvic pain can be a debilitating and persistent situation that causes enough discomfort by itself. But when that pain extends beyond 3 to 6 months, taking immediate action is necessary. A pudendal nerve block is a procedure that serves as a diagnostic tool and provides relief for those suffering from pudendal neuralgia or pelvic pain syndromes.
At University Pain and Spine Center, our experts in pain management are here to help you find treatment to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Experiencing abdominal pain is not usually a cause of concern. But when this ache lasts for longer than 3 to 6 months—and overlaps with other symptoms—it might be chronic. Chronic pelvic pain, as its name suggests, is a persistent and frequent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Mainly affecting genitals, rectum, or perineum, impacting both men and women. This ache can be caused by pelvic pain syndromes or pudendal neuralgia, conditions that require comprehensive evaluation and treatment to find relief.
A pudendal nerve block is a procedure performed to block the pudendal nerve, which plays a significant role in transmitting sensation to the pelvic area, including pain signals. This technique is used in various medical settings, including:
This technique is usually performed by a pain management specialist or anesthesiologist, given that it’s done by using specialized medical techniques and tools. The procedure involves sterilizing the area and injecting local anesthetic or steroid medication near the pudendal nerve, blocking the transmission of pain signals. This method results in alleviation of pain and offers relief for patients who have not responded well to other treatments.
Patients who experience ongoing pain in the pelvic, genital, or anorectal area—especially those suffering from pudendal neuralgia—might be suitable for a pudendal nerve block.
Setting that aside, always remember to inform your doctor if you:
Given that these could be deciding factors in determining whether this procedure is suitable for your specific case.
Yes, a pudendal nerve block is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients typically get to go home the same day after the procedure.
Many patients report feeling significant pain reduction after a pudendal nerve block procedure—with initial relief showing within a few hours of the injection.
While a pudendal nerve block provides significant pain relief, it is possible that our experts also recommend combining it with other treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to improve overall results.
Patients experiencing conditions like pudendal neuralgia or pelvic pain syndromes often suffer from sharp and burning pain in the pelvic area—a discomfort that impacts their quality of life and makes their daily activities difficult. At University Pain and Spine Center, our expert providers are qualified to help you find relief. After performing a pudendal nerve block, patients have reported reduced pain—allowing them to resume day-to-day activities with less distress.
