Genitofemoral Neuropathy -- A Cause of Pelvic Nerve Pain

Pelvic nerve pain may be caused by damage or dysfunction of the genitofemoral nerve. This type of pelvic nerve pain is called genitofemoral neuropathy.

The genitofemoral nerve can be damaged during certain types of surgeries, abdominal or pelvic trauma, leading to persistent pain. This type of pelvic nerve pain may also be caused by peripheral neuropathy, such as that associated with diabetes.

Like many types of neuropathic pain, genitofemoral neuropathy is often described as sharp, shooting or throbbing. This type of pelvic nerve pain may be felt in the abdomen, lower back or between the legs. It may come and go, or it may be more persistent. Some people report feeling this type of pelvic nerve pain more when lying down.

Treatment for pelvic nerve pain caused by genitofemoral neuropathy can be any of the following:

• Medications, such as anticonvulsants or NSAIDs
• Nerve blocks
• Steroid injections
• Surgical intervention

Most cases of genitofemoral neuropathy are resolved with nerve blocks, though in rare cases some may persist. Persistent pelvic nerve pain is one of the many types of chronic pelvic pain.

_Sources:

_{Cardosi Richard J, Cox Carol S and Hoffman Mitchel S. Postoperative Neuropathies After Major Pelvic Surgery. Obstetrics & Gynecology. August 2002. 100:2. pp 240-244}

_{National Pain Foundation. Pelvic Pain: Causes. Accessed 8/21/09. http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/articles/717/causes}

_{Sandford Rebecca and Nicholson Michael L. Genito-femoral Nerve Entrapment: a Complication of Stapling the Ureter During Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 2001.16:10 Pp. 2090-2091}