Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Pudendal Nerve Block
1746872054
A pudendal nerve block is used to diagnose and treat chronic pain in the pelvic region, perineum, genitals, and rectal area, particularly for pudendal neuralgia. This condition arises when the pudendal nerve becomes irritated or compressed, causing persistent pain, burning, or numbness.
During the procedure, you'll lie on your side or stomach, and the provider will use ultrasound or X-ray to guide a small needle near the pudendal nerve. A local anesthetic blocks pain signals, and sometimes, steroids or other medications are added to reduce inflammation and provide longer relief. The numbing effects start immediately, lasting hours, while steroids may take days to work but can relieve for weeks or months.
This procedure helps confirm if the pudendal nerve is the pain source. If relief is achieved, advanced treatments like radiofrequency ablation, peripheral nerve stimulation, Dorsal Root Ganglion stimulation, or Spinal Cord Stimulation may be considered for long-term control.
Other treatments include medications like gabapentin, pelvic floor physical therapy, or nerve-modulating injections to relax muscles and reduce nerve sensitivity. In severe cases, surgical decompression of the pudendal nerve may be explored.
Though generally safe, potential risks include temporary discomfort, numbness, or rare nerve irritation, bleeding, or infection. Your provider might suggest stopping blood thinners temporarily.
After the injection, rest and avoid heavy activities for a day. Quick relief is common, and a follow-up is vital to evaluate the response and discuss further steps.
If chronic pelvic pain affects your life, a pudendal nerve block might be the first step toward relief.
FAQs
Are there risks associated with a pudendal nerve block?
While generally safe, there are potential risks including temporary discomfort or numbness, and in rare cases, nerve irritation, bleeding, or infection. It is often recommended to temporarily stop blood thinners before the procedure to minimize bleeding risks.
How is the pudendal nerve block procedure performed?
During the procedure, the patient lies on their side or stomach. A healthcare provider uses ultrasound or X-ray guidance to insert a small needle near the pudendal nerve. A local anesthetic is injected to block pain signals, sometimes along with steroids or other medications to reduce inflammation and provide prolonged relief.
What are the potential benefits of a pudendal nerve block?
The procedure can provide immediate pain relief by numbing the affected area, with effects lasting a few hours. If steroids are used, they may take a few days to provide relief, but the effects can last for several weeks or months. Additionally, it helps confirm whether the pudendal nerve is the source of the pain, guiding further treatment options.
What is a pudendal nerve block used for?
A pudendal nerve block is primarily used to diagnose and treat chronic pain in the pelvic region, particularly for conditions like pudendal neuralgia. This involves pain, burning, or numbness in areas such as the perineum, genitals, and rectal region, often caused when the pudendal nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
What should patients expect after a pudendal nerve block?
After the injection, patients are advised to rest and avoid heavy activities for a day. Quick pain relief is common, and a follow-up appointment is important to assess the success of the procedure and discuss any additional treatments needed for long-term pain management.