Pain in the perineum or pudendal neuralgia: a very common ailment

Pain in the perineum occurs frequently and causes discomfort when performing daily tasks. Next, we explain how to recognize it.

Pain in the perineum is an intense discomfort in the intimate area that occurs in the pelvic area.

This discomfort can reach both the genitals and the anus itself. In addition, because this region includes organs(intestines, bladder and reproductive system) that perform essential functions in the body, pain in the perineum can prevent daily activities in daily life.

For this reason, below, we give you all the information so that you can identify it and go to the doctor for a check-up.

Pain in the perineum or pudendal neuralgia

It is known as ‘pudendal nerve neuralgia’ to pain in the pelvis that is associated with urinary, anal or sexual dysfunction.

The European Society for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Treatment(ESRA) explains that it is one of the most unknown syndromes and that it was first described in 1987 by the French neurologist.

This medical professional found that the majority of people who cycled regularly experienced severe pudendal nerve pain sooner or later. For this reason, when perineal paralysis develops in this area, it is also known by the name of ‘cyclist’s perineal paralysis’.

In relation to how this problem is caused.

  • The pudendal nerve is in the pelvic region(see the image above ).
  • It joins both the perineum itself and the genitalia(female and male).
  • This syndrome appears when the pudendal nerve or one of its multiple branches is damaged, inflamed or trapped.

When this nerve presents an anomaly, the pain that originates covers the entire intimate area; reaching the abdomen and limiting some basic activities.

Symptoms of pudendal neuralgia

Pain in the perineum causes a variety of discomforts that can disrupt basic daily functions. The most common are the following:

  • Tingle.
  • Pain when going to the bathroom.
  • Burning and itching in that area.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Discomfort in the legs(especially in the back of the legs).
  • Persistent discomfort in the entire pelvic area when sitting.

Causes of pain in the perineum

Although the reasons that cause this pain can be diverse, an article published by the Colombian Society of Urology indicates that:

  • The most common causes have their origin in both vascular and nervous compression.
  • It is a common problem in both cyclists and people who ride horses regularly.
  • However, it is also common in women who have given birth and who, during childbirth, have suffered a stretch of the pudendal nerve itself.

How is this syndrome diagnosed?

First of all, it is important to note that if you have pain or discomfort in the intimate area, this does not mean that it is necessarily caused by a case of neuralgia. There are other possible causes, such as vulvodynia(an injury associated with the muscles or bones of the hip).

However, it is convenient to be alert and bear in mind that this is a problem that requires a specific intervention or treatment.

In fact, a study published in 2019 explained that compression of the perineum(if not treated properly) can lead to various problems, such as sexual dysfunction in men.

For this reason, the doctor can perform one of the most effective tests to diagnose pudendal neuralgia: the electromyogram.

How is the perineum treated?

The help of a physiotherapist is the first therapeutic option to consider in the event of simple neuralgia, that is, an inflammation of the perineal nerve. Also, you need to find a physical therapist who specializes in pelviperineal neurology.

On the other hand, if what you have is not a simple inflammation but an understanding of the nerve itself, the doctor may advise you to undergo a surgical intervention.

With this, you will gain quality of life and you will be able to return to daily activities without pain or discomfort in this delicate area of ​​the body.

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