Do you sometimes experience strange, unbearable pain in your lower abdomen, that is, around your genitals or in your anus? It must be very difficult to get through the day with this pain, right? You must have done a lot of things to find the cause of this. So today we are going to talk about a special method that doctors use to find the cause of this kind of pain and treat it.
What is a Pudendal Nerve Block?
Simply put, this involves injecting a medication near the pudendal nerve, a nerve that runs through your pelvic region. Think of this nerve as the 'main wire' that carries sensation from our lower abdomen to the muscles and skin around our genitals (vagina in women, penis in men) and anus.
Sometimes, if this nerve is compressed or injured, a condition called Pudendal Neuralgia can occur. That's when the chronic, unbearable pain that I mentioned earlier occurs. So what this injection does is go near that nerve and stop the pain temporarily or long-term.
Why is this vaccine given? What are the benefits of it?
There are three main purposes for giving this vaccine. Let's see what they are.
| Main purpose (Purpose) | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| For diagnosis (Diagnosis) | When the cause of your pain is not clear, your doctor may give you this injection. If the pain subsides after the injection, he or she can confirm that the problem is in the pudendal nerve. This will make it easier to plan future treatment accordingly. |
| As a treatment | It is used to treat chronic pain, such as pudendal neuralgia. It involves injecting a numbing medication and sometimes a medication called corticosteroids, which reduce swelling in the nerve. |
| Regional Anesthesia | During some surgeries and medical procedures, this injection is given to numb only the area in question, rather than providing full anesthesia. For example, this method is used during childbirth and hemorrhoid surgery. |
How should I prepare for this vaccine?
Usually, this does not require much preparation. However, sometimes, if the doctor decides to give you a sedative to calm you down, he will ask you to fast for about 6-8 hours. He will also ask you to bring someone who can drive with you that day. Whatever needs to be done, your doctor will inform you in advance. So don't be afraid. Ask your doctor any questions you have.
How is this vaccine given?
There are several main ways to give this vaccine. Your doctor will choose the best method based on your body type and the purpose of the vaccination.
Main methods of vaccination
- Transvaginal approach: This method is used especially in gynecology and obstetrics. The doctor inserts his fingers through the vagina and locates the exact location of the nerve to administer the injection.
- Transperineal approach: The perineum is the area of skin between the anus and the genitals. This method is used for both men and women.
- Perirectal approach: This method is used for rectal surgery and pain management.
The most important thing is that in all of these methods, the doctor first gives a small injection to numb the area. So you won't feel much pain. It may feel like a slight pinch.
Image-Guided Approach
Nowadays, many doctors give this vaccine with the help of a scanning machine such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy (which is like a moving X-ray). This allows them to see exactly where the nerve is and give the vaccine safely. This greatly increases the success of the vaccine.
What happens after the vaccine is given?
After the injection, you will be asked to rest for about 15-30 minutes. During this time, a nurse will watch you to see if anything unusual happens. If everything is fine, you can go home.
What are the benefits and risks of this?
Benefits
- Getting temporary or long-term relief from pain.
- The swelling in the nerve is reduced, helping the nerve to heal .
- Being able to confirm whether the cause of the pain is the pudendal nerve itself.
- Being a safer alternative to general anesthesia.
Risks
Serious complications are very rare . Most often, minor side effects are seen.
- Minor side effects: There may be some pain and discomfort at the injection site for two to three days. Sometimes, a small tingling or weakness in the leg may be felt temporarily due to another nerve located close to the pudendal nerve.
- Serious but rare complications: Nerve damage, bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs such as the bladder can occur. However, when performed correctly by an experienced doctor, these risks are very low.
How long does the pain relief last?
This is a question that many people ask. To be honest, it varies greatly from person to person. Some people have relief for a few days or weeks. Others go months or years without pain. But some people may not get any relief at all. It depends on the underlying cause of your pain and how your body responds to the medication.
What time should I call the doctor?
If you develop any new symptoms after getting the vaccine, signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or fever at the injection site, or persistent leg numbness, burning, or weakness , call your doctor immediately . If your symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Pudendal Nerve Block is a special injection procedure that treats chronic pain in the lower abdomen and genital area.
- This is used to diagnose the cause of pain, treat pain, and provide local anesthesia during some surgeries.
- This procedure is performed very safely by an experienced doctor, possibly with the help of a scanning machine.
- The relief you receive varies from person to person. Not everyone gets the same results.
- Please discuss any questions, fears, or doubts you have about this with your doctor.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms after the vaccination, seek medical advice immediately.
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