Pelvic floor numbness is caused by a condition known as pudendal neuralgia. Pudendal neuralgia is a pain related to the pudendal nerve which is the vein that runs from the back of the pelvis to the base of your penis or vagina, where it branches into other nerves. The pudendal nerve sends messages to the brain from your genitals, anus, and other nearby body parts. It also controls the sphincter muscles that open and close whenever you use the bathroom. The pain develops over a long period of time.
Causes
There are several causes behind pudendal neuralgia. They include ;
- Giving birth
- Surgery around the pelvic area
- A tumor or an infection squeezing the pudendal nerve
- Past pelvic trauma
It can also be caused by excessive physical exercise such as spending a lot of time on a bicycle and horse riding. Constipation is another cause.
Symptoms
The symptoms are mostly felt around the area between your pelvic and your anus. They include:;
- A sharp or burning pain
- More sensitivity
- Numbness
- A swollen feeling
You may also experience bladder and bowel irritation, pain during sex, difficulty reaching an orgasm, and erectile dysfunction in men.
Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, do not shy away from telling your doctor. Any doctor can treat this problem but most people prefer a neurologist or a gynecologist.
Your doctor will insert a finger in your rectum or vagina and exert pressure on the nerve. In other instances, he may perform an imaging test using an MRI machine. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to take a picture of your internal organs.
Treatment
Nerves take at least 6 months or even two years to heal. Treating pudendal neuralgia will therefore take some time.
Treatments for pelvic floor numbness include;
- Medications - the doctor gives painkiller injections that last a few months. The doctor may give shots of medication that numb the nerve or lower the inflammation, which lessens the pressure. Daily medications such as topical creams and oral medications may also calm your nerves. In rare cases, surgery may be performed to remove anything that may be exerting pressure on the nerve such as a tumor.