What you may feel
- Burning, shooting or tingling pain around the perineum, genitals or anus.
- Sitting often worsens pain; standing may ease it.
- Discomfort may build up through the day.
- Some people have pain with sexual activity or toileting.
- Similar symptoms have other possible causes and need assessment.
How it is assessed
Assessment considers sitting, pelvic floor function and other urological or gynaecological causes.
Identify the precise areas of pain and numbness and describe the effect of touch. Bring details of other conditions, medicines and previous procedures.
Approaches to care
Care may include sitting adjustments, appropriate pelvic floor rehabilitation and specialist pain treatment.
Discuss how pain affects sleep, work and movement. At follow-up, report changes in sensation and strength as well as pain intensity.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or rapidly increasing weakness, abrupt loss of sensation or new bladder or bowel problems need immediate assessment.
Further reading: NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.