Pudendal Nerve Compression

Pudendal nerve compression, which occurs as a result of the compression of the pudendal nerve in the anatomical path it follows and causes pathological pain, is one of the most important factors causing chronic pelvic pain. Pudendal nerve compression and associated pain may occur in the organs in the pelvis region and the tissues where the pudendal nerve reaches, usually in the areas stimulated by the pudendal nerve or its branches.

Sitting for extended periods of time, heavy lifting, cycling for years, difficult delivery, difficult pregnancy, endometriosis, recurrent infection, accident affecting the pelvis, falls, and inflammatory or autoimmune diseases can be listed among the causes of pudendal nerve compression.

Pudendal Nerve Compression Symptoms

Among the most common symptoms of pudendal nerve compression are:

• Burning sensation,
• Heightened sensitivity,
• Numbness,
• Pain similar to electric shock or stabbing,
• Feeling of a lump or foreign body in the vagina or rectum,
• Constipation,
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pain during bowel movements,
• Loss of sexual function.

Pudendal Nerve Compression Treatment

Diagnosing pudendal nerve entrapment can be a challenging process. The patient's history, symptoms and neuropelveological examination can be used in diagnostic stage. Assessment for nerve root pain and loss of function is run during the examination. With MRI and CT scans, the functions of the nerves in the pelvic region and the presence of a mass that may cause pressure on the nerve are examined.

With the pudendal nerve blockage method, a very thin and long needle is used around the nerve, and the pain that develops as a result of the pressure on the nerve can be alleviated by numbing it with a local anesthetic drug. If this treatment method is insufficient, laparoscopic and robotic surgery applications may also be considered.