Hypogastric plexuses

Looks like

Autonomic nerve networks: the superior one in front of the lowest lumbar vertebra, dividing into two hypogastric nerves that form the inferior (pelvic) plexuses beside the rectum, bladder and prostate or vagina.

What it does

Carry the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that control bladder emptying, bowel continence, erection, ejaculation and lubrication.

Keeping it well

Pelvic cancer surgery aims to spare them (nerve-sparing technique); damaged, they leave problems with erection, ejaculation or bladder control.

Related conditions

• Amyloidosis (AL and ATTR)
• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Botulism
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Chronic neuropathic pain
• Chronic pain syndrome
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fibromyalgia
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Lyme disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Neurogenic bladder
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Rabies
• Restless legs syndrome
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Tetanus
• Vitamin B1, C and other deficiencies