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As definitive causes of vulvodynia still remain unknown, there is yet a lot of room for speculation as to what the true reason of this condition is.
One of the culprits that you might not have heard of is pudendal neuralgia – a condition that surprisingly causes very similar (and sometimes identical!) symptoms to vulvodynia.
If you are still looking for definitive answers as to what is to blame for your vulvar pain then this blog post will help you find out if your vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia are intertwined.
Pudendal Neuralgia
Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a chronic pain condition caused by malfunction of the pudendal nerve.
Pudendal Nerve
The pudendal nerve is often linked to agonizing chronic vulvar pain as it is the main nerve that runs through the pelvic area.
The pudendal nerve is responsible for providing sensation, muscle function and carrying pain signals to the spinal cord and brain from your:
- Vulva
- The clitoris
- Mons pubis
- Labia
- Urethra
- The base of the bladder (sphincter muscles)
- Anus (sphincter muscles)
- Inner buttock
- Perineum (the area between your anus and vulva)
- The lower outer third of the vagina
Pudendal Neuralgia Causes
Pudendal neuralgia can be caused by pudendal nerve trauma such as:
- Entrapment
- Compression
- Restriction
- Injury
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Dysfunction
For a full list of pudendal nerve trauma sources, please tune into the upcoming post, “The Complete Guide To Pudendal Neuralgia.”
For a full list of pudendal nerve trauma sources, please tune into the upcoming post, “The Complete Guide To Pudendal Neuralgia.”
Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
Symptoms of pudendal neuralgia are very similar to vulvodynia symptoms and are described as intense pain, discomfort or numbness in the pelvic region (in and around the pudendal nerve area).
Types of pain
- Stinging
- Burning
- Stabbing and knife-like
- Aching
- Electric shock
- Shooting
Types of sensations
- Tightness
- Numbness, tingling, pins, and needles
- Twisting or pinching
- Crawling on the skin
- Irritation
- Cramping and spasm
- Hypersensitivity to touch or pressure
- Itching
- Raw feeling
- Abnormal temperature sensations
- A swollen feeling
- Hot sensation
Vulvodynia and Pudendal Neuralgia
Similarly to vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia is not an uncommon pain condition.
It is also often unrecognized and misdiagnosed by the majority of physicians, including specialists experienced in pelvic pain such as gynecologists, urologists, and neurologists.
For a full list of other conditions and syndromes intertwined with pudendal neuralgia, please tune into the upcoming post, “The Complete Guide To Pudendal Neuralgia.”
For a full list of other conditions and syndromes intertwined with pudendal neuralgia, please tune into the upcoming post, “The Complete Guide To Pudendal Neuralgia.”
So, what is the difference between vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia, you might ask?
Pudendal neuralgia is often the source of chronic pelvic and vulvar pain. Vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia symptoms can be very similar, sometimes even identical.
However, there are at least 24 signs that are good indicators and can help you to initially determine if your vulvodynia is possibly caused by pudendal neuralgia (or any problem connected to the pudendal nerve).
24 Signs Your Vulvodynia Might Be Caused by Pudendal Neuralgia
Tips for Better Results
Next Steps After Your Initial Self-Diagnosis
Conclusion
In this post, you can find initial information about:
- What are pudendal neuralgia and pudendal nerve
- What are the symptoms and causes of pudendal neuralgia
- How vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia can be interwind
- List of 24 signs that can help you to determine the source of your chronic vulvar pain
Hey, Vulva Warriors!
Are you someone whose chronic vulvar pain is caused by pudendal neuralgia? How do you manage it? How did you find out that your vulvar pain is caused by pudendal neuralgia? Which doctor(s) helped you to diagnose this condition and go through it? Would you like to share your personal insights to help others through their tough journey?
If you would like to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions or simply say hi, please feel free to contact me through the comment section below, on FB or at community@meandmyv.com.
Hello, Health Professionals!
If you are a health professional that deals with pudendal neuralgia as a cause of vulvar pain and you would like to share your experience, cooperate, simply connect or drop a question, please feel invited to contact me through the comment section below, on FB or at community@meandmyv.com.
Disclaimer
My goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information that is factually correct, comprehensive and up-to-date.
However, the information provided herein might be subject to changes and is not intended to cover all possible:
- Pudendal neuralgia symptoms and causes
- Signs indicating that vulvar pain is caused by pudendal neuralgia
Additionally, each person is different and may respond differently to different pain triggers.
Please also bear in mind, that this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a doctor or other licensed healthcare professionals. Please, before taking any medication, consult with your health provider who knows your medical history.
Resources
- http://pudendalhope.info/sites/default/files/HealthOrganisationforPudendChronicPainBro1_0.pdf
- http://pudendalhope.info/
- https://pudendalassociation.org/index.html
- https://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Pudendal%20Neuralgia
- https://bit.ly/2AEsKrl
- http://cvvd.org/conditions/pudendal-neuralgia
- http://www.sandiegosexualmedicine.com/female-issues/vestibulodynia
- http://www.instituteforwomeninpain.com/common-diagnoses-treatments
- https://jasonattaman.com/pudendal-neuralgia/
- https://www.webmd.com/g00/pain-management/pudendal-neuralgia?i10c.ua=1&i10c.encReferrer=&i10c.dv=20#1
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