Clitoral Pain VS Sex life

[lenak29]

Hi Everyone,
I just found this board when researching pudendal nerve blocks. I will be having one done at the end of March. The docs are not sure if the nerve is the source of my pain, but I guess its a start!

My situation is that I have been diagnosed with mild vaginismus and vulvar vestibulits, but i now wonder if my vestibulitis and cause of vaginismus is possibly caused actually by the pudendal nerve... For me, I can now have sex (although I do get a very sore feeling when a penis touches my cervix and I don't know if that is normal or related to the nerve) but i do have a rip/burn feeling in on the outside of my vagina when the penis goes in as well as a burning feeling when the ejaculation hits that one same spot. In addition, my clitoris is always burning to the touch (finger or q tip, lubed or not). I am not sure if it is because of these pains that I have never been aroused or horny.

I am hoping that the nerve block will stop both pains, but generally speaking, how long do the blocks last for? And i saw somewhere that if there is a problem with the nerve, there can be a surgery for it. Does that surgery actually just remove the nerve in that surgery?

I guess at the end of the day it is better to not be in pain even if i am not be aroused at all, but this really does put a damper on my sex life with my partner. Has anyone had the same lack of libido from this problem and have you been able to get one or get it back when you had the nerve blocks or surgery? Does it ever happen that after the nerve block is done or the surgery is done, that the areas start to feel good and you can get aroused?

Sorry if that is a weird question!

Lenak29

[helenlegs 11]

Hi Lenka, welcome.

I haven't ever had a PN block (unfortunately) or surgery but the results of the block can vary. Is it a guided block btw?
Some find that it doesn't have any effect, indicating that their problem may not be PN, or that the block didn't hit the right spot of course (best if guided) Others report pain elimination/reduction for varying amounts of time. The home page (in red, above) gives a whole host of information and I'm sure others here will chip in too
PN surgery would be a decompression of the nerve, it would not ever be removed as the pudendal innervates important motor functions in the bowel and bladder but again if you want to find out more the home page is the place. There are also many other treatments available, all of which should at least be explored before any surgical procedure is thought about, but it is available as a last option if other treatments fail.
lower, or lack of libido is something many people with pelvic pain experience, and of course something that many people with any chronic pain experience. If sex actually increases or initiates pain, there has to be a knock on effect, although things should always return to normal once things are under control or cured.
Good luck with the blocks, let us know how you fair.
Take care,
Helen

[Violet M]

I am hoping that the nerve block will stop both pains, but generally speaking, how long do the blocks last for? And i saw somewhere that if there is a problem with the nerve, there can be a surgery for it. Does that surgery actually just remove the nerve in that surgery?
Lenak29

Lenak, surgery is done to release the nerve from any compression or entrapment -- from ligaments or scar tissue. Have you already tried pelvic floor PT from someone trained in treating pudendal neuralgia? Before thinking about surgery you owe it to yourself to at least be evaluated by a good PT.

Usually nerve blocks have both an anesthetic and a steroid in them. Typically the pain relief from nerve blocks is several hours due to the anesthetic although occasionally someone will have several months of relief after the steroid kicks in -- or possibly even more permanent relief although we don't hear of that very often on the forum. They are given partially for diagnostic purposes.

Violet

[Meliora]

Hi Lenak,there is a lot of knowledge and help on this board, glad you found it!

I can relate to your story. I have the burning sensation vaginally (mine in inside though sides/back wall.) Intercourse causes burning and my nerves to react horribly. I have a semen allergy myself, that I don't really know what to do about. It could be you also have an allergy, and when the ejaculate hits an area that is irritated, it burns all the more. I have tried to urinate after sex, shower, whatever I can to "clean out" the semen!

I have problems with the dorsal nerve/clitoris (from a PT injury, the same feeling as a man being wracked between the legs, and has caused my sex life all sorts of heck.) I have been dealing with hypersensitivity, pain, altered sensation, you name it. These issues are not just after sex now, but sex makes them far worse.

A dorsal nerve or pudendal nerve steroid block may help you, as it is anti inflammatory and can promote healing. I think there is benefit to steroid blocks for me. I understand how pain can damper ones sex life.

Have you looked at the list of doctors on the board to see if one is near you? A pain management doctor that deals with pelvic pain may also be able to help you. I would suggest getting a appointment with a PN aware/PN treatment doctor at some point. I wish I had done that MUCH earlier!

[lenak29]

Hi guys,
Thanks fro the messages. My surgery was today and it was under general. i had the nerve block and also botox on the vaginal walls to help with the vaginismus that I have. I have a bit of bleeding now, but nothing to worry me. My vagina feels really odd though - much like the frozen feeling you get when your dentist freezes your cheek.

I wasn't able to ask the doctor when i can begin insertion again and touching the area to see if i still have the pain. Any insight on that?

[helenlegs 11]

I wouldn't have thought there would be any time limit to this, and straight away would have been my guess. However if there is bleeding I would wait until that has stopped. Some times nerve blocks don't last for that long and it will be important to assess pain levels now. However, the botox may have the same effect anyway if the problem is from the nerve being irritated by tight pelvic floor muscles. The botox should last longer.
It will be interesting what others have to say , I wouldn't rely on my word alone as I am only guessing. Hope this works for you.