Pudendal nerve block is a therapeutic technique used to treat chronic pain in the pelvic and perineal region, which can affect both men and women.
This procedure is indicated for conditions such as pudendal nerve neuralgia, a painful condition that can be disabling.
At Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit, this treatment is offered as part of a multidisciplinary and personalized approach to ensure effective and lasting pain relief.
What is the Pudendal Nerve?
The pudendal nerve is one of the main nerves of the pelvic region.
It controls sensation and motor functions in areas such as the genitals, anus and perineum.
This nerve has three main branches that innervate different areas of the perineum, urethra and anal sphincter.
When the nerve is irritated or compressed, it can cause chronic pain in these areas, which significantly affects the patient’s quality of life.
Indications for Pudendal Nerve Blockade
Pudendal nerve block is recommended to treat a variety of painful conditions affecting the pelvic and perineal region, such as:
- Pudendal nerve neuralgia: Chronic, disabling pain that may affect the genitals, anus and perineum.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region that does not respond to conservative treatments.
- Dyspareunia: Pain during sexual intercourse, common in women with pudendal nerve neuralgia.
- Proctalgia fugax: Spasmodic pain affecting the rectum and anus.
- Post-surgical perineal pain: Pain in the perineal area after surgical procedures in the pelvis.
How Does the Pudendal Nerve Block Work?
A pudendal nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a local anesthetic and, in some cases, corticosteroids around the pudendal nerve.
This block temporarily interrupts the pain signals that the nerve sends to the brain, providing significant and lasting relief.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, which allows the specialist to administer the injection precisely to the affected area.
Imaging guidance ensures that the anesthetic is delivered to the exact location of the nerve, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment and minimizing complications.
Benefits of Pudendal Nerve Blocks
This treatment offers several key benefits for patients suffering from chronic pain in the pelvic and perineal region:
- Immediate pain relief: The injection provides rapid relief, allowing patients to resume their daily activities without the constant interference of pain.
- Reduction of inflammation: The combination of anesthetics and corticosteroids helps reduce inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which prolongs the effects of treatment.
- Improved quality of life: By relieving pelvic and perineal pain, patients can significantly improve their emotional and physical well-being.
- Minimally invasive procedure: The pudendal nerve block is an outpatient treatment that does not require surgery, which means that patients can return to their daily activities almost immediately.
- Reduced analgesic use: By providing long-lasting relief, this treatment can help patients reduce their dependence on pain medication.
Procedure and Recovery
The pudendal nerve block is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Prior to the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to the skin to minimize any discomfort.
With the help of ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the specialist inserts a thin needle near the pudendal nerve and administers the injection.
After the procedure, patients usually experience pain relief within a few hours, although the full effect may take up to 24 hours to manifest.
Pain relief can last from several weeks to months, depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the block if the pain returns.
When to Consider a Pudendal Nerve Block?
The pudendal nerve block is an ideal option for patients who have failed other conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy.
This procedure is especially useful for those suffering from pudendal nerve neuralgia or chronic pelvic pain, who are seeking effective relief without resorting to surgery.
At Clínica San Román’s Pain Management Unit, our specialists evaluate each case individually to ensure that the most appropriate treatment is applied to each patient.
We work together with physiotherapists, gynecologists and urologists to offer a multidisciplinary approach that maximizes the benefits of the pudendal nerve block.
Conclusion
The pudendal nerve block is an effective and minimally invasive solution for the treatment of chronic pelvic and perineal pain.
At Clínica San Román, our specialists use advanced and personalized techniques to guarantee pain relief and improve patients’ quality of life.
If you suffer from chronic pain in the pelvic or perineal region, do not hesitate to contact us for a specialized consultation to explore how this treatment can benefit you.
