Function

As a nerve, the function of the pudendal nerve is to connect tissue and muscles with the spinal cord and brain and thus to be able to perceive sensations and to execute movements or muscle tension. The pudendal nerve reaches large areas of the intimate and genital area via its end branches. Through its sensitive branches, which perceive all sensations of pressure and touch, it reaches the entire region of the anus up to the genitals.

He is also motorically responsible for the areas located there. For example, it is responsible for the supply of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in ensuring continence in both men and women.

By tensing and relaxing, it supports the regulation of urination. In addition, it can react to sudden increases in pressure in the abdominal region, which can be caused by sneezing, coughing or laughing, for example, and thus prevents unwanted urine excretion. Another area supplied by the pudendal nerve is the external sphincter muscle of the anus.

As with the pelvic floor muscles, it can support and regulate bowel movements by tensing and relaxing. Another end branch of the pudendal nerve supplies the genital organs of men and women. In men, one of the branches leads directly to the penis, where ejaculation is controlled.

In women, one of the branches leads to the clitoris, where the sexual arousal of the woman is regulated. The pudendal nerve thus also contributes to sexual function. In addition, the pudendal nerve, due to its generally central position in the pelvic region, ensures a stable position of all the intestines within the pelvis.

What are neuropathies?

Neuropathies are a disease of the nervous system.However, this is generally not the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, but the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the periphery of the body – the peripheral nervous system. In neuropathy, damage is caused to the peripheral nerves. Due to the damage, the nerves can only transmit information to the brain or body periphery to a limited extent or even not at all.

The disease can be very diverse and have different causes. It is often triggered by other diseases, for example by pathogens that have entered the body externally. However, diseases such as diabetes mellitus or various autoimmune diseases can also be triggers for neuropathy.