Pudendal Neuralgia Post-Childbirth: How Pelvic Health Care Can Help
Childbirth is an incredible and transformative experience and for many it can also lead to unexpected physical challenges. One such challenge is pudendal neuralgia, a condition that affects the pudendal nerve, which plays a key role in pelvic function.
What is Pudendal Neuralgia?
Pudendal neuralgia is a painful condition caused by irritation or damage to the pudendal nerve, which runs through the pelvis and is responsible for sensations in the genital area, perineum, anus, and the lower urinary tract. This nerve is crucial for functions like bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and sensation in the pelvic region.
After childbirth, especially vaginal deliveries, some women may experience pudendal neuralgia as a result of pressure, stretching, or trauma to the nerve. This can lead to various physical and emotional challenges, but pelvic health care can be an essential part of the recovery process.
Causes of Pudendal Neuralgia Post-Childbirth
Several factors can contribute to the development of pudendal neuralgia after childbirth:
1. Prolonged or Difficult Labor: A prolonged second stage of labor, where the baby is pushing through the birth canal, can put additional pressure on the pudendal nerve, leading to irritation or compression.
2. Instrumental Delivery: Use of forceps or a vacuum extractor during delivery can cause trauma to the pelvic region and potentially injure the pudendal nerve.
3. Perineal Tears: Tears in the perineum during vaginal birth can stretch or damage the nerve.
4. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weakness or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs, may contribute to nerve compression and pain.
5. Chronic Pelvic Floor Tension: Postpartum pelvic floor tension can exacerbate pudendal nerve compression, leading to pain and discomfort.
Other causes of pudendal neuralgia include:
Constipation and straining to pass a bowel movement
Exercises- weight lifting, squats and using certain machines, karate, kickboxing and rollerblading.
Farm work- driving on rough roads or seated on farm equipment with excessive vibration.
Falls on to the buttocks.
Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia
The symptoms of pudendal neuralgia can vary, but most women experience pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, often made worse by activities like sitting. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic pelvic pain (especially in the perineum, vagina, or anus)
- Pain with sitting
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Numbness, burning or tingling in the genital, perineal, or anal areas
- Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure in the pelvic region
- Pain may increase throughout the day and improve with standing or lying down
These symptoms can be debilitating and may interfere with a woman’s ability to enjoy daily activities, including caring for her baby.
How Pelvic Health Care Can Help
At Tugun Osteopathy clinic, we offer pelvic health consultations and internal pelvic floor assessments to address conditions like pudendal neuralgia and support women in their recovery from childbirth-related issues. Here's how we can support your healing journey:
1. Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Assessments: We conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the health and function of the pelvic floor muscles, which may be contributing to nerve compression or dysfunction. This includes both external and internal evaluations to check for muscle tightness, weakness, or imbalances.
2. Internal Pelvic Floor Treatments: Manual therapy techniques, including internal pelvic floor release and myofascial release, can help alleviate nerve compression by relaxing tight muscles around the pudendal nerve. These techniques can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
3. Osteopathic Manual Therapy: Osteopathy is an effective approach to address musculoskeletal imbalances that may contribute to pelvic pain. We use gentle, hands-on techniques to realign the pelvis, improve posture, and release tension in surrounding muscles, which can help relieve nerve irritation and discomfort.
4. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles through specific exercises can improve overall pelvic function and reduce the risk of nerve compression. We guide you through exercises tailored to your needs, ensuring that the muscles are strong and functioning optimally to support the pudendal nerve.
5. Education and Self-Care: We provide education on posture, body mechanics, and how to manage symptoms in your daily life. Understanding how to avoid activities that may worsen your condition can help you prevent flare-ups and support long-term recovery.
Getting the Right Support
If you're experiencing symptoms of pudendal neuralgia after childbirth, it’s important to seek help. Pelvic health care can play a crucial role in both diagnosis and treatment, offering relief from pain and improving your quality of life. At Tugun Osteopathy, we combine internal pelvic floor assessments, manual therapy, and personalised treatment plans to support your postpartum recovery journey.
Contact us today on 0405 640 786 to schedule a consultation, and take the first step toward reclaiming your health and well-being.