pelvic pain

by | Jun 20, 2025 | Uncategorized



Pudendal Neuralgia – A Hidden Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain | Pudendal Surgery

Pudendal Neuralgia – A Hidden Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Author: Pudendal Surgery Team
Last updated: June 2025

Chronic pelvic pain is a disabling condition that affects millions globally. In the United States, especially in cities like New York, patients often struggle to find answers. Many receive incorrect diagnoses or are told their pain is psychosomatic. But in reality, one of the most underdiagnosed causes is pudendal neuralgia – nerve pain caused by compression or irritation of the pudendal nerve.

Why Pudendal Nerve Pain Is Often Misdiagnosed

Pudendal neuralgia presents with symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other conditions. These include:

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Vulvodynia (in women)
  • Chronic prostatitis (in men)
  • Proctalgia fugax (sharp rectal pain)
  • Sexual pain or dysfunction

Many patients are misdiagnosed and treated with antibiotics, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants — all without lasting relief. Why? Because the root cause — compression of the pudendal nerve — is not visible on MRI scans. Diagnosis often requires a skilled clinical evaluation by a specialist trained in pelvic nerve anatomy.

Common Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia

Symptoms vary depending on which part of the nerve is affected. Most patients report:

  • Pain while sitting, relieved when standing or lying down
  • Burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain
  • Genital or rectal numbness
  • Sensation of a “foreign object” in the rectum or vagina
  • Sexual dysfunction or pain during intercourse
  • Urinary issues or bowel urgency

Treatment Options – Not Everyone Needs Surgery

Not all cases require surgery. In fact, about 5–10% of patients with pudendal neuralgia experience relief with pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and targeted nerve blocks. A pudendal nerve block (local anesthetic injection) can offer temporary relief and help confirm the diagnosis.

However, for those with chronic or severe symptoms, studies show that 90–95% eventually require surgical intervention to decompress the nerve and achieve long-term relief.

Meet Dr. Renaud Bollens – Expert in Pudendal Nerve Surgery

At www.pudendalsurgery.com, we specialize in treating pudendal nerve entrapment. Our lead surgeon, Dr. Renaud Bollens, is internationally recognized for his expertise in pudendal nerve decompression surgery. Patients from around the world — including across the U.S., especially from New York, California, and Florida — travel to seek his care.

  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques
  • Multidisciplinary care: physiotherapy, neurology, pain management
  • Personalized post-op rehabilitation plans

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have struggled for years without answers, our team is here to help.

Why Choose Us?

  • Dedicated pudendal nerve clinic
  • Internationally trained and recognized surgical expertise
  • Trusted by patients from across the USA
  • Multilingual team offering full support for travel & care

We help patients from New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and beyond who are searching for real solutions to chronic pelvic pain.

Time to Take Your Pain Seriously

If you suffer from unexplained pain in your pelvis, genitals, or perineal area, don’t wait. Pudendal neuralgia is real — and treatable.

Get the right diagnosis and care with the specialists who focus exclusively on this complex condition.

Visit: www.pudendalsurgery.com

Led by: Dr. Renaud Bollens – Europe’s leading pudendal nerve surgeon