Pudendal neuralgia refers to long-term pelvic pain due to damage or irritation of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is the main nerve in the pelvis, serving the lower buttocks, perineum (the area between the buttocks and genitals), and the genitals.
Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia
The main symptom of pudendal neuralgia is pelvic pain. Some of the symptoms are described below:
- Burning, crushing, shooting or prickling pain in the pelvis or genitals
- Numbness, like pins and needles in the pelvic area
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Needing to go to the toilet more frequently or suddenly
- Pain during sex and difficulty reaching orgasm
Living with pudendal neuralgia often has significant physical and emotional impacts. It can make it hard to walk/sit, socialise, work, have sex, and exercise, significantly affecting a person's quality of life.
