Pudendal nerve

The pudendal nerve is responsible for urination, defecation and orgasm in both sexes.

Physiology

The pudendal nerve innervates the penis and clitoris, bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles, and areas around the scrotum, perineum, and anus. At sexual climax, the spasms in the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernous results in ejaculation in the male and most of the feelings of orgasm in both sexes. These muscles pulse at 0.8Hz at orgasm in both sexes.

Role in disease

Difficult childbirth or bicycling can compress or stretch the pudendal nerve but permanent injury is rare. Entrapment of the nerve is very rare but can happen. Pudendal Nerve Entrapment (PNE) is akin to Carpal Tunnel syndrome.