Pudendal neuralgia

The pudendal nerve is one of the most important nerves in the pelvis. It controls movement and feeling in the genital and anal areas and in the pelvic floor muscles. If any segment of the nerve becomes irritated or compressed, this can lead to pudendal neuralgia.

Pudendal neuralgia is when you experience chronic pain in the lower part of the body caused by irritation or compression of the pudendal nerve. The pain can be felt in different parts of the body, in particular the buttocks, genital organs, groin and lower back.

The causes of pudendal neuralgia may differ from one person to the next. Nevertheless, the condition generally stems from irritation or compression of the pudendal nerve, which may be linked to the following risk factors:

• Trauma or injury to the pelvic region
• Previous pelvic surgery, including prostate or uterine surgery
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Intense athletic activity, particularly cycling
• Rapid or significant weight loss
• Musculoskeletal disorders such as piriformis syndrome, which can compress the pudendal nerve

Pudendal neuralgia can also be caused by underlying medical issues such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Lyme’s disease, genital herpes or recurrent urinary infections. Onset often occurs between the ages of 50 and 70, and is more common in women (affecting 6 women for every 4 men).

Diagnosing pudendal neuralgia starts with a visit to a doctor specialized in pelvic disorders. At the American Hospital of Paris, our specialists have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of pudendal neuralgia. They also work closely with other specialists, including radiologists and neurologists, to make an accurate diagnosis.

During the consultation, the doctor performs a physical examination to assess the patient’s pain and symptoms, and also reviews the patient’s medical history. Diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis may also be conducted, notably imaging tests such as an MRI and CT scan to detect any irritation or compression in the pudendal nerve. 

Electrophysiological testing may also be performed to evaluate pudendal nerve function and confirm the diagnosis. These tests include an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study, which measure nerve signal transmission speed in the pudendal nerve.

Once the pudendal neuralgia diagnosis has been confirmed, our team establishes a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms and individual situation.

At the American Hospital of Paris, our medical team offers several treatments for pudendal neuralgia ranging from conservative treatments to surgical procedures. Among these treatments, pudendal nerve cryoneurolysis is an innovative and non-invasive technique with promising outcomes in terms of pain and inflammation reduction.

Cryoneurolysis uses extreme cold to deactivate the nerve fibers that are causing pain. This minimally-invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia. It only requires an incision of 1 mm and can be repeated if necessary.

Our medical team has been specially trained and is adept at performing this leading-edge technique, which offers a safe treatment for pudendal neuralgia. We work closely with our patients to establish a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and ensures quick, optimal recovery.