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Hypogastric plexus blocks are specialized injections used to relieve chronic pelvic pain by targeting nerves in the lower abdomen. At Florida Pain Medicine, with offices in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Brandon, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Tampa Bay, Riverview, Daytona Beach, and St. Petersburg, Florida, skilled providers perform these blocks with precision and compassion. They help patients with pelvic pain conditions regain comfort and quality of life. Schedule a consultation with Florida Pain Medicine by phone or online to learn if this treatment is right for you.
Hypogastric Plexus Blocks Q & A
What is a hypogastric plexus block?
A hypogastric plexus block is a special pain-relieving injection that targets nerves in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
These nerves, known as the hypogastric plexus, transmit pain signals from pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, prostate, or rectum) to the brain. By blocking these nerves, the hypogastric plexus block can reduce or even stop pain in the pelvic region.
Florida Pain Medicine uses hypogastric plexus blocks to help patients with severe pelvic pain obtain relief and improve their quality of life.
How does a hypogastric plexus block work?
During the procedure, your provider injects a local anesthetic (sometimes combined with a steroid) near the hypogastric plexus. This injection stops pain signals from traveling to the brain.
The results can be significant pain relief that lasts from weeks to months, depending on the underlying condition. For some patients, repeated blocks provide ongoing relief or help them participate more fully in physical therapy and other treatments.
What conditions can a hypogastric plexus block treat?
The Florida Pain Medicine team uses hypogastric plexus blocks for chronic pelvic pain that doesn’t improve with other therapies. You might benefit if you’re seeking relief from:
- Endometriosis-related pelvic pain
- Pain from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Chronic prostatitis pain
- Bladder pain syndromes (interstitial cystitis)
- Cancer-related pelvic pain, such as from cervical, prostate, or colon cancers
By reducing pain, hypogastric plexus blocks make daily activities, including sitting and sleeping, more comfortable.
What happens during the hypogastric plexus block procedure?
The procedure takes place in a comfortable outpatient setting. You lie on your stomach or side while your provider uses X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) or, in some cases, CT imaging to place the needle precisely.
After numbing the skin, your provider guides a thin needle to the area near the hypogastric plexus and injects the medication. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
You may experience temporary soreness at the injection site or mild numbness in the legs, but these side effects typically subside quickly. Most patients report feeling reduced pain within hours to a couple of days. Many also experience better sleep and improved daily function following a hypogastric plexus block.
If you suffer from pelvic pain that’s disrupting your life, ask Florida Pain Medicine to help you explore whether hypogastric plexus blocks could bring you lasting relief. Call the Tampa Bay or Daytona Beach office nearest you or book an appointment online today.