What it is
It can be hard to diagnose because other conditions cause similar pain.
Treatment includes avoiding triggers such as sitting for long periods, special cushions, physiotherapy, nerve pain medicines, nerve block injections and, rarely, surgery.
Common signs
- Burning, stabbing or aching pain in the genitals, perineum or anus
- Pain worse when sitting and better when standing or lying
- Numbness or pins and needles in the area
- Needing to pee often
- Pain during sex
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms and an examination
- Ruling out other causes with scans
- Sometimes a nerve block injection to confirm
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Pain clinic or specialist letters
- Scan reports
- Physiotherapy plans
- Medicine lists
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could anything else be causing this pain?
- Would pelvic floor physiotherapy help?
- Is a nerve block an option for me?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden numbness around the bottom and genitals, or loss of bladder or bowel control: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.