Pudendal neuralgia

Abstract

Pudendal neuralgia is the most common type of neurogenic chronic pelvic pain and is defined as a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome caused by compression and/or neuropathy of the genital nerve and localized in the area of its sensory innervation. Pudendal neuralgia negatively affects daily activity and reduces the quality of life. The diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia is established on the basis of clinical manifestations and examination data in accordance with the Nantes criteria, while instrumental methods (ultrasound, magnetic resonance and computed tomography, electrodiagnostic methods) do not allow verifying the diagnosis due to significant limitations. Currently, there are no unambiguous recommendations and standards for the treatment of pudendal neuralgia, however, a combination of different methods and a personalized approach allows in some cases to achieve significant success and long-term pain control. The article highlights in detail the anatomical features of the pudendal nerve, examines the possibilities and stages of diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia, and provides an overview of therapeutic methods from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.