Internal Pudendal Vein

Origin

The venae comitantes of the internal pudendal artery unite to form a single internal pudendal vein at the superior aspect of the perineal membrane.

Course

The internal pudendal vein follows the course of the internal pudendal artery and pudendal nerve. From its origin, the internal pudendal vein eventually drains into the internal iliac vein. Along its course, the internal pudendal vein travels through the pudendal canal on the lateral wall of the ischiorectal fossa. It ascends through the perineum and passes through the lesser sciatic foramen. It then travels within the gluteal region, inferior to the piriformis muscle, and passes through the greater sciatic foramen to enter the true pelvis.

Tributaries

The internal pudendal vein receives many tributaries of the external genitalia:

- inferior rectal vein;

- deep vein of the penis or clitoris;

- dorsal vein of penis or clitoris;

- deep dorsal vein penis or clitoris;

- vein of the bulb of penis or vestibule;

- anterior and posterior scrotal or labial veins.

The distal portion of the vagina is also drained by the internal pudendal vein.

Structures Drained

The internal pudendal veins drain the organs, skin and muscles of external genitalia, and perineum. This includes the bulb of the vestibule in females and the bulb of the penis and spongy urethra in males.

During sexual arousal, venous engorgement of these veins aid in the erection of the clitoris or penis and bulbs of the vestibule or penis.