Pudendal Neuralgia in Men:
Sitting and Cycling Pain
Burning, stabbing or electric pain in the penis, scrotum, perineum or rectum that gets worse the longer you sit and eases when you stand. If you ride, it may have started on the saddle. Pudendal nerve-focused pelvic floor therapy in Denver.
Every visit is one-on-one with Dr. Caroline Gamwell, PT, DPT, PRPC. Not sure it’s right for you? Start with a free phone consult.
Common Signs
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Burning, stabbing or electric pain in the penis, scrotum, perineum or rectum
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Worse the longer you sit, better when you stand or lie down
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Started or flares with cycling
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A feeling of something stuck in the rectum
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Pain that rarely wakes you at night
Go to the ER for new numbness in the saddle area with loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden weakness in your legs.
Why Pelvic Floor PT Helps
What’s going on with the nerve
The pudendal nerve supplies sensation to the penis, scrotum, perineum and anus, and runs through tight spaces in the pelvis right where you sit. True nerve entrapment exists, but many men have a nerve irritated by tight surrounding muscles, pressure or repetitive load. That irritated-nerve picture is what physical therapy works on directly.
Cyclists usually don’t have to quit riding. Most need a plan to modify: saddle, fit and a graded return to ride time.
How I treat it
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Take pressure off the nerve. Release of the obturator internus, pelvic floor and hip muscles that crowd its path.
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Nerve mobility. Gentle gliding and desensitization to calm an irritated pudendal nerve.
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Sitting strategy. Cushions, desk setup and movement breaks so your workday stops feeding the pain.
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Coordinate care. If you need imaging, a nerve block or a pain specialist, I’ll help you get to the right person.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
