Suppose you feel pelvic pain during sexual intercourse and have visible varicose veins in the pelvic area. In that case, it might be the first symptom of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, and if left untreated, blood pooling in the ovarian veins can worsen the state and increase the risk of complications. That’s why at Besi Vein Clinic, we offer advanced non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments such as pelvic embolization to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life effectively.
Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome (PVCS) is a condition that affects the pelvic and ovarian veins and causes chronic pelvic pain. PVCS is dilated pelvic veins in the pelvis, especially the ovarian veins, that cause blood to flow backward and pool in the pelvis.
This causes:
Varicose veins;
Pelvic varicose veins;
Chronic discomfort that can ruin your life;
It mostly affects women, especially ladies of reproductive age, but it can also occur in men.
Up to 15% of women of childbearing age may have pelvic congestion syndrome or venous insufficiency, and 40% of women with chronic pelvic pain have PVCS as an underlying cause, so it’s a big condition that goes undiagnosed. It is critical to have pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed accurately to differentiate it from other gynecological conditions.
The pelvic congestion syndrome is complex, so patients often have varied symptoms from mild to debilitating discomfort, especially after standing or sitting for a long period of time.
Women with PVCS experience a variety of signs, most commonly chronic pain, often described as a dull, aching discomfort.
The pain worsens during certain activities like:
After sexual intercourse (dyspareunia);
During menstruation;
After standing for hours;
The feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area;
Visible or palpable varicose veins in the pelvic zone or on the vulva (vulvar varicosities);
Discomfort when urinating (dysuria);
IBS-like symptoms, bloating, and digestive discomfort;
Increased ache during pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes and vein dilation;
Because PVCS signs can mimic other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, and fibroids, diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome can be very tricky.
While the exact cause of pelvic congestion syndrome is not clear, several factors are thought to contribute to it.
Causes
One theory is that pregnancy plays a big role. During pregnancy, the pelvic veins may become stretched or weakened due to increased flow of blood, hormonal changes, and vein dilation that persists even after delivery.
Structural abnormalities in the veins or valves can also cause blood to flow back and contribute to the development of bulging veins and blood pooling.
Multiple pregnancies: Women who have had two or more pregnancies are at higher risk.
Hormonal factors: High levels of estrogen weaken the ovarian vein walls, especially in women of childbearing age.
A family history of varicose veins or pelvic venous insufficiency increases this risk.
Other venous conditions, such as May-Thurner Syndrome or Nutcracker Syndrome, which affects blood flow in the pelvis, can predispose to PVCS.
Diagnosing PCS can be tricky because of the many signs and overlap with other conditions. A comprehensive medical history and physical exam are required for diagnosis, focusing on your signs and family history of venous disorders. Several diagnostic tools are used to confirm the condition:
Pelvic Ultrasound:
This non-invasive imaging test is often the first step in identifying dilated pelvic veins.
Doppler ultrasound can also assess the flow of your blood and see if blood is flowing back into the veins.
CT Scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
These imaging tests provide a more detailed view of the pelvic veins and can reveal other abnormalities that may be causing pelvic pain.
Pelvic Venography:
Considered the gold standard for diagnosing PVCS, this invasive procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the pelvic veins to monitor blood flow through X-ray imaging.
For mild symptoms, medications can be prescribed to help relieve pain and reduce estrogen levels, which may help alleviate vein dilation.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate and GnRH agonists are used to suppress estrogen production and control pain caused by the condition.
Hormonal treatment like an etonogestrel implant may also be recommended for some women.
Ovarian vein embolization is a minimally invasive procedure to treat PVCS for women with severe symptoms.
During this procedure, a vascular specialist inserts a catheter into the affected pelvic veins and injects a substance, sclerosant or metal coil, to block the blood flow in the ovarian vein of the affected area.
This prevents blood pooling, reduces the pressure on the veins, and alleviates pain and symptoms.
Studies show that ovarian embolization has a high success rate. Up to 75% of women experience significant relief of chronic pelvic pain within six months of the procedure.
Recovery from embolization is quick, and you, as a patient, can return to normal activities within a few days.
In rare cases where medications and embolization don’t work, surgery may be considered.
A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes can be done to reduce estrogen production and its signs.
But surgery is usually a very last solution due to its invasiveness and side effects.
There is no cure for PVCS, but several treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and overall health.
There is no guaranteed method to prevent PVCS, but here are some lifestyle changes that can improve your vein health and reduce the risk of developing pelvic congestion:
Regular physical activity, especially which improves blood circulation in the lower extremities, can prevent blood from pooling in the pelvic veins.
Long times of inactivity can worsen symptoms, so move around often, especially during long flights or work shifts.
Being at a healthy weight reduces pressure on the pelvic organs and veins and lowers the risk of varicose veins in the pelvic area.
Smoking can harm blood vessels, so quitting smoking can improve overall vascular health.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a condition that affects many women. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many of you can get significant relief from chronic pain and its symptoms.
Whether through lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures, PVCS can be managed well and improve the quality of life.
If you have pelvic pain or signs of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), consulting our vascular specialist is the first step to your treatment.
At Beso Vein Clinic, we offer a range of treatment options to suit your needs and provide the best outcome for this often misunderstood condition.
We know that the signs of pelvic congestion syndrome, such as dilated pelvic varicose veins, can mimic other conditions like IBS, so an accurate diagnosis is key.
Our specialists use the latest methods, such as pelvic venography and ultrasound, to identify abnormal blood flow in the ovarian veins and detect blood pooling that may be causing your pelvic pain.
Once PVCS is diagnosed, we offer advanced treatments, such as ovarian vein embolization, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
This minimally invasive procedure, in the hands of our vein experts, stops the backward flow of blood in your pelvic veins and prevents the condition from getting worse.
At Beso Vein Clinic, we take the time to perform a full physical examination, assess your and other risk factors, and develop a customized treatment plan.
We understand the complexity of PVCS and work to relieve your pain and the underlying inflammation and varicose vein issues that worsen the condition.
We use the latest diagnostic tools, including a Computed Tomography scan and pelvic ultrasound, to get a full picture of your pelvis.
Whether PVCS signs are left-sided pain, inflammation, or blood flowing backward in your veins, our goal is to deliver the best possible outcome with minimal rest.
By choosing Beso Vein Clinic, you will get the best care for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). We promise timely and effective solutions to get you back to full health and prevent long periods of complications.
At Beso Vein Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic pelvic pain complaints and congestion syndrome (PCS), a common but often missed cause of chronic pain in women.
Our team of board-certified experts, with years of proven results, is committed to providing the latest treatment for patients with pelvic varicose veins and other vein-related conditions.
We use advanced diagnostic tools such as Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI to get a clear picture of your condition.
At our vein clinic, we believe everyone should live vein disease-free. With our minimally invasive treatments, experienced medical staff, and total care, you can feel confident you’re in good hands. Start your journey to healthier legs and a better life by reaching out to us today. Let us get you the relief and results you deserve.