Pudendal Neuralgia, IC, Vulvodynia & Urethral Syndrome: Dr. Nicholas Fogelson on UTI, Part 3

The pudendal nerve is a somatic nerve that is responsible for pelvic floor muscle contraction as well as sensation around the anus, labia, clitoris, and vulva. It connects to the second, third, and fourth sacral root nerves and runs between the sacrospinous ligament and the sacrotuberous ligament.

Pudendal neuralgia is the irritation of the pudendal nerve and can result in pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. It can be caused by the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments squeezing the nerve or by inflammation like that triggered by endometriosis. Activities such as horseback riding and cycling may exacerbate pudendal neuralgia. Dr. Fogelson believes that some people diagnosed with chronic UTI or interstitial cystitis are actually suffering from pudendal neuralgia. He argues that if your Microgen does not show bacteria and if your cystoscopy looks normal, then your bladder symptoms are likely nerve-related.

Treatment for pudendal neuralgia includes nerve blocks, Botox, steroids, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and surgery. In certain cases, nerve blocks “reset” the pudendal nerve. This results in the alleviation of pain long after the blocks themselves have worn off. According to Dr. Fogelson, the surgery is extremely invasive and recovery can take up to two years, and only about half of patients experience relief.

If you have pudendal neuralgia, it is crucial to avoid activities that further irritate the pudendal nerve, such as cycling.

If this information was helpful, you may wish to contribute to future expert interviews and other crucial projects here: https://liveutifree.com/contribute
To become more actively involved, why not become an official Live UTI Free member? https://liveutifree.com/become-a-member

Learn more about Dr. Nicholas Fogelson at https://www.nwendometriosis.com/

Check out the playlist for the entire interview here:    • Dr. Nicholas Fogelson on UTI & Pain  

What Type of Specialist Can Help:    • What Type of Specialist Can Help? Dr....  
Referred Pain & Pain Relief:    • Referred Pain & Pain Relief: Dr. Nich...  
Peripheral Neuropathy, Cyclic Sciatica & Other Conditions:    • Peripheral Neuropathy, Cyclic Sciatic...  

Learn more about recurrent UTI and how the right support can help:
Chronic vs. recurrent UTI: https://liveutifree.com/chronic-urina...
Is it really a UTI?: https://liveutifree.com/lower-urinary...
Pelvic floor physiotherapy approaches: https://liveutifree.com/muscles-of-th...


If you are a clinician, you can learn about joining our clinician referral network here: https://liveutifree.com/clinicians/


About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. https://liveutifree.com/

Post-production: Melissa Wairimu   / kreativlee_