Your description—sharp/burning pain in the perineum and genital region that becomes worse while sitting—can be compatible with pudendal neuralgia, but the diagnosis should be confirmed clinically because several pelvic, spinal, muscular and urological conditions can produce similar symptoms. Pudendal neuralgia is usually diagnosed using the history and examination, often guided by the Nantes criteria; there is no single scan that confirms every case.
Next Steps
Consult a pain-management specialist or pelvic-pain specialist experienced with pudendal neuralgia/pudendal nerve blocks. Assessment may include a neurological and pelvic examination and, when indicated, imaging to exclude other causes. Treatment is generally stepwise and may include reducing activities that aggravate the nerve, medication for neuropathic pain, appropriately selected pelvic-floor rehabilitation, and an image-guided diagnostic/therapeutic pudendal nerve block. Surgery or neuromodulation is generally considered only for carefully selected patients with persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment.
Health Tips
Until evaluated, minimize prolonged sitting and activities that clearly worsen the pain, such as long periods of cycling; a pressure-relieving seat cushion may help some patients. Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop new leg weakness, numbness around the saddle area, difficulty passing urine, urinary retention/incontinence, or loss of bowel control, as these symptoms require evaluation for other neurological causes.