How the Pudendal Nerve and Pelvic Floor Pain are Connected in Women

As women, we face a range of physical and emotional challenges, from pregnancy and childbirth to stress and anxiety. However, one common issue that many women experience is pelvic floor pain. Pelvic floor pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, nerve damage, inflammation, and psychological factors. In this blog, we will explore the connection between the pudendal nerve and pelvic floor pain, and how high levels of anxiety and emotion can trigger pain in the pelvis floor.

Understanding the Pudendal Nerve and its Function

The pudendal nerve is a crucial nerve in the pelvic region that is responsible for providing sensation to the external genitalia, anus, and perineum. It originates from the sacral nerve roots and runs through the pelvis, innervating several muscles in the region. These muscles are essential for bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and stability during physical activities like standing, walking, and running.

The pudendal nerve has three branches that supply different areas of the pelvis:

• The inferior rectal branch provides sensation to the anus and perianal area.
• The perineal branch provides sensation to the perineum, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
• The dorsal branch provides sensation to the skin of the buttocks, coccyx, and perineum.

When the pudendal nerve is functioning correctly, it helps maintain pelvic floor muscle tone and control. However, various factors can overstimulate the nerve, leading to pelvic pain and discomfort.

The Link Between the Pudendal Nerve and Pelvic Floor Pain

Pelvic floor pain can arise from different sources, including muscle tension, nerve damage, inflammation, and psychological factors. One such psychological factor is high levels of anxiety, which can activate the sympathetic nervous system and cause muscle tension and overstimulation of the pudendal nerve.

The pudendal nerve can also become compressed or irritated due to various factors, such as pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, trauma, or prolonged sitting. This compression can cause significant pain and discomfort, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activities.

Furthermore, the pudendal nerve can become entrapped, which means it's pinched or compressed by the surrounding tissues, causing intense pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) is a severe condition that can affect women of all ages, and its symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the perineum, anus, or vaginal area.

The Role of Emotions and Anxiety in Pelvic Floor Pain

As mentioned earlier, high levels of anxiety and emotion can trigger pelvic floor pain. Anxiety activates the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the muscles to tense up, leading to increased pressure on the pudendal nerve. Emotional distress can also affect the body's response to pain, making it more challenging to manage pelvic floor pain.

Additionally, studies have shown that women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain often have higher levels of anxiety and depression than women who do not experience pelvic pain. This suggests that there is a strong link between emotional distress and pelvic floor pain, and addressing psychological factors can be an essential part of managing this condition.

Managing Pelvic Floor Pain

Pelvic floor pain can be challenging to manage, and it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. However, several treatment options are available to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

1. Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage pelvic floor pain by reducing muscle tension, improving muscle strength and coordination, and promoting relaxation techniques. This therapy can also teach women
2. Medications: Pain medication, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pelvic floor pain. However, these medications may have side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
3. Needlework: The Bostock Method is a needling method created by Jim Bostock. I have had the pleasure of seeing Jim to get help with Nerve Blocks which can be caused my emotional and physical traumas. If you want to learn more see Jim's instagram and website. 
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy can help women manage their anxiety and stress levels, which can contribute to pelvic floor pain. It can also help women develop coping mechanisms and
5. Breathing exercises can help relax the pudendal nerve by reducing tension in the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles can become tense and tight due to stress, anxiety, or physical trauma, which can lead to pudendal nerve pain. By practicing deep breathing exercises, you can help to release tension in these muscles, which in turn can reduce pain in the pudendal nerve area.

One effective breathing exercise for relaxing the pelvic floor muscles is diaphragmatic breathing. This involves taking slow, deep breaths into the belly, allowing the diaphragm to expand fully. As you inhale, you should feel your belly rise, and as you exhale, you should feel it fall. This type of breathing can be done anywhere, and is particularly useful when feeling stressed or anxious.

It is also recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional for the proper diagnosis and treatment of pudendal nerve pain. In addition to breathing exercises, other treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or nerve blocks may be recommended.

I am able to assist you in so many ways through Breath Techniques and daily habits to assist the pain and overwhelm.

Please also visit a recent Live I held with Jim Bostock on this very subject.

Do you have questions around this subject? email info@nicolalaye.com or dm me on instagram. 

Much love, 

Nicola xx