Exercise Program in Women With Pudendal Neuralgia

Comparison of Shear-Wave Elastography of Superficial Pelvic Floor Muscles in Healthy Women and Women With Pudendal Neuralgia

This randomized controlled trial compares a 6-month physiotherapy exercise program versus no structured exercise intervention in women with pudendal neuralgia. Outcomes include pelvic floor muscle stiffness measured by shear-wave elastography (SWE), pelvic floor symptom burden (PFIQ-7), sexual distress (FSDS-R), and pain/discomfort scores (VAS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female participants aged 18 years or older
• Confirmed diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia based on all five Nantes diagnostic criteria
• Duration of symptoms at least 3 months
• Written informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of psychiatric, neurological (except pudendal neuralgia), severe internal medical, orthopedic, or oncological disease

  • Botulinum toxin therapy within the previous 12 months
  • Pelvic surgery within the previous 12 months
  • Incomplete or incorrectly completed questionnaires
  • Refusal to participate or withdrawal of informed consent