Nerve Blocks: Pudendal Nerve Treatment in Charlottesville, VA
Experience targeted relief with specialized pudendal nerve block treatments.
What is a Pudendal Nerve Block?
Some patients with pelvic pain, both men and women, have direct pain signaling through the pudendal nerves. A pudendal nerve block can provide targeted pain relief by immediately stopping pain signaling from the pudendal nerve, resulting in significant pain relief.
The pudendal nerves (there is one on each side of your body) are nerves in the pelvis that carry sensation from the external genitalia, anus, and perineum (the area between the genitals and anus). It also provides partial control of the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the external anal sphincter (a muscle that helps control bowel movements). Damage or entrapment of this nerve can lead to pelvic pain, pain with sitting, arousal, ejaculation, sex, and sensory abnormalities: pins and needles, numbness, burning or tingling.
Our expert team will work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs and health goals. By focusing on your comfort and well-being, our goal is to help relieve pudendal neuralgia (pain along the pudendal nerve) and allow you to return to your daily activities with less pain.
Why is a Pudendal Nerve Block Performed?
A pudendal nerve block might be performed for the following reasons:
- Diagnose whether the pudendal nerve is involved in your pain
- Provide relief by reducing pain signals originating from these nerves
- Help manage long-term pelvic pain
- Provide pain relief during childbirth or gynecological procedures
- Reduce pain in the area between the genitals and anus after giving birth
- Speed up recovery and provide pain control after surgeries related to the rectum or urinary system
Who Needs a Pudendal Nerve Block?
You might need a pudendal nerve block if:
- You're dealing with pain in the pelvic area caused by issues with the pudendal nerve
- You need pain relief for childbirth or other procedures related to the reproductive system
What are the Risks?
Pudendal nerve blocks are generally safe, but like any procedure, they come with some risks. These include bleeding, infection, temporarily blocking a nearby nerve or local anesthetic toxicity. Your provider will discuss these potential risks with you before the procedure.
What To Expect
During a pudendal nerve block procedure, your clinician will carefully inject a local anesthetic (a medication that causes temporary numbness) into the area around the ischial spine (a bony part of the pelvis). The nerve is accessed either through the vagina or through the buttocks.
This is done either through anatomical landmarks (the nerve is found 1 centimeter from the ischial spine) through the use of a nerve stimulator (a device that helps locate the nerve) or guided by imaging techniques (such as ultrasound or real-time x-ray) to ensure everything is done safely and accurately.
The anesthetic will block the pudendal nerve, with the goal of reducing pain and discomfort. You will experience temporary numbness in the genital area, which is a normal part of the pain relief process. Your provider will be there to answer any questions and ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.
Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.