Pudendal nerve block is a shot that uses an anesthetic and steroid to numb the pudendal nerve. It is done during an office visit. No sedation or premedication is needed. It may be done by itself or with trigger point injections.
Procedure
A gentle pelvic exam is done to find the part of the pelvis where the nerve can be accessed.
An anesthetic and steroid are injected into the space next to the nerve. This may involve between one and four shots. A small, curved needle guide is used for the shot. The shot will feel like a pinch and a burn. The pain should not go on or be severe.
Side effects
These are rare but may involve:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Numb or tingly feeling in the genitals
- Numb or tingly feeling in one or both legs
Some pain may occur right away or 24 to 48 hours after the shot.
After the injections
The length of pain relief offered by pudendal never block can vary. Physical therapy done right after the shots may increase the success. A patient may have a flare of pain after the shot.
Some patients may have no relief. We may need to repeat these shots with a new method or medicine.