Unilateral pudendal nerve neuropathy inconsistently causes fecal incontinence in some, but not others. This is because crossover innervation of the external anal sphincter occurs in some individuals. There is significant overlap of the innervation of the external anal sphincter from the pudendal nerves of both sides. This allows partial re-innervation from the opposite side after nerve injury.
Unilateral pudendal nerve neuropathy inconsistently causes fecal incontinence in some but not others This is because crossover innervation of the external anal sphincter occurs in some individuals There is significant overlap of the innervation of the external anal sphincter from the pudendal nerves of both sides This allows partial re-innervation from the opposite side after nerve injury