Pudendal Nerve Block

What is a Pudendal Nerve Block?

A Pudendal Nerve Block is an injection procedure used to numb or reduce pain from the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the genital area, perineum, and parts of the pelvis.
It can be done for diagnostic purposes (to confirm the pudendal nerve is the source of pain) or for therapeutic purposes (to provide pain relief).

What are the benefits of a Pudendal Nerve Block?

Directing the injection and medication to specific nerves aids in:
Identifying the Source of Pain
– Helps determine if the pudendal nerve is the source of pelvic, genital, or perineal pain.
– If pain relief occurs after the block, it confirms the nerve is involved, guiding further treatment.
Provides Targeted Pain Relief
– Can reduce or eliminate pain
– May relieve burning, aching, or stabbing sensations in the pelvic region.
Improves Mobility and Function
– By reducing pain, patients may move more freely and return to normal daily activities.
– Helps patients participate more effectively in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Common Indications:
Pudendal neuralgia
Painful bladder syndrome
Vulvodynia
Proctalgia (rectal pain)
Post-surgical pelvic nerve pain

How does a Pudendal Nerve Block work?

A Pudendal Nerve Block is a targeted injection to nerve of the pelvis. It is performed using one or two medications, depending on the goals of the injection.
When used for diagnostic (test) goals only, the pudendal nerves are injected with an anesthetic (numbing medication) to help identify immediate pain relief and validate the the pelvis is a source of the patient’s pain.
When used for diagnostic and therapeutic goals, the pudendal nerves are injected with an anesthetic as well as a steroid medication, to help reduce inflammation in the pelvis, which may help relieve pain for more extended period of time.

How to prepare for a Pudendal Nerve Block?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a Pudendal Nerve Block is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Pudendal Nerve Blocks are usually performed in under 20 minutes with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.

When using diagnostic testing of the pelvic pain with numbing medication, the expectation is to get temporary relief from pain that only lasts for a day or so. Once this injection is performed, we want you to engae in physical activity to test if it was helpful. This confirms that the pelvis is the source of pain.

When using diagnostic and therapeutic testing of the pelvis with numbing and steroid medication, the above still applies. In addition, it can take 2 to 3 days for the steroids to take effect and provide longer term relief.