Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes the condition known as Pudendal nerve palsy.
Damage to the pudendal nerve can occur suddenly as a result of trauma to the pelvic region, prolonged bicycling, fractures or from falls.
Anatomy
The pudendal nerve re-enters the pelvis under the sacrotuberous ligament and gives three branches:
Inferior rectal: provides rectal tone and perianal sensation.
Perineal nerve: gives scrotal sensation.
Dorsal nerve of the penis: gives branches to the corpus callosum.
The pudendal nerve arises from S2, S3,S4. The pudendal nerve carries sensations to the external genitals, the lower rectum and the perineum.
Symptoms
•Symptoms can start suddenly or develop over time.
•Loss of sensation or numbness
•Burning or stabbing pain
•Difficulty with bladder and bowel function
•Sexual dysfunction
Causes
1.Prolonged sitting such as bicycling
2.Pudendal nerve palsy following fracture table traction
3.The nerve is compressed between the ischium and the hard object
Treatment
The condition is usually transient and improves with time.
•Rest
•Physical therapy
•Stretches and exercise
•Anti-inflammatory medication
•Injection/nerve block
•Surgery as a last resort.
Preventions for bicyclists
•Change the sitting position while riding the bicycle,
•Change the seat form narrow seat to a wide seat.
