• Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a chronic pelvic pain condition that is usually related to pudendal nerve pathology, commonly presenting with sharp and burning pain in the perineal region, specifically worsening with either bowel movements, intercourse, and prolonged sitting as well as sexual dysfunction. [1]

• PN is diagnosed when the following criteria is met: [2]

    1. Pain in pudendal nerve anatomical territory

    2. Pain worsens with sitting

    3. Patient does not have sleep disturbances due to pain

    4. No other sensory loss on physical exam

    5. Pain relief with pudendal nerve block.

• PN can be caused by nerve entrapment, damage to the pudendal root or one of its branches.  Common causes are horse riding, excessive cycling, chronic constipation, stretching of pelvic floor muscles during childbirth, or compression injury during various surgical procedures (pelvic floor surgery, hip surgery, etc); however, in some cases, a specific cause is unknown.