Comparing two methods for pudendal nerve block in pelvic pain treatment

Transvaginal Versus Fluoroscopy-guided Trans Gluteal Pudendal Nerve Block for Pudendal Neuralgia and Chronic Pelvic Pain: a Prospective, Noninferiority, Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional University of Louisville · NCT06644261

This study is testing two different ways to give a nerve block to see which one helps women with pelvic pain feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Louisville Academic / other
Locations1 site (Louisville, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT06644261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of two different approaches for administering a pudendal nerve block in women suffering from pudendal neuralgia or chronic pelvic pain. Participants will be randomized to receive either a transvaginal pudendal nerve block without imaging or a fluoroscopy-guided trans gluteal pudendal nerve block. The primary outcome will be measured by changes in pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale over a six-week period. Secondary objectives include assessing patient satisfaction and the emotional impact of pain through validated questionnaires.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women over 18 years old with a diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia or chronic pelvic pain lasting at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to pudendal nerve block or recent pelvic surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective method for pain relief in women suffering from pudendal neuralgia.

How similar studies have performed: While there are no published randomized controlled trials comparing these specific approaches, the concept of imaging-guided nerve blocks has shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* women \>18 years
* English speaking/reading
* Diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia OR chronic pelvic pain with pain in the distribution of the pudendal nerve for 3 months or longer
* Minimum pain/bother score of 4/10
* Desire for pudendal nerve block

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to pudendal nerve block (examples: skin or vaginal infection, bupivacaine allergy, uncorrected coagulopathy)
* Pregnant or intending to become pregnant during the study
* Pudendal nerve block from any route within the last 3 months
* Major pelvic surgery within the last 3 months (examples: hysterectomy, prolapse repair, midurethral sling)
* Neurologic disease affecting the perineum (examples: spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)

Where this trial is running

Louisville, Kentucky

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pudendal NeuralgiaChronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.