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Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin) Treatment in Charlottesville, VA
Receive comprehensive care and relief for pelvic congestion syndrome.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin?
Pelvic congestion syndrome, or PCS, is a condition caused by varicose veins in the pelvic area. The term pelvic congestion syndrome is actually being replaced with Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin. These enlarged and dilated veins result from weakened vein walls and damage to the valves that normally prevent back-up of blood. This condition can lead to persistent pelvic pain that worsens with standing, sitting for long periods, or during sexual intercourse. Other common symptoms are fatigue, heaviness in the pelvis and bloating.
The congestion from poorly functioning veins can create persistent discomfort and affect the pelvic organs. While pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous is more common in women who have had multiple pregnancies, it can occur in anyone with specific risk factors.
Why Does Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Occur?
Pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous origin occurs when the pelvic veins, including the ovarian veins, fail to circulate blood properly. This leads to pooling, or backflow of blood in the veins, referred to as varicose veins, causing pressure and pain. Contributing factors include:
- Hormonal changes that weaken vein walls
- Increased blood flow causing damage during pregnancy
- Compression of veins in the pelvis
- Family history (genetics) or multiple pregnancies
The buildup of blood in the pelvic veins creates the congestion and discomfort associated with this condition.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous origin involves several steps. Your provider will begin with a detailed medical history and a discussion about your symptoms. Imaging techniques, such as a vaginal ultrasound, pelvic venography or magnetic resonance imaging, are often used to evaluate the pelvic veins and identify varicose veins or blood flow irregularities.
Traditionally a pelvic venography—a specialized X-ray that highlights the pelvic veins—was used to confirm the diagnosis, but currently ultrasound, MRI or a CT scan focused on blood flow is adequate. These diagnostic tools help your provider understand the underlying cause of the pelvic pain.
One of the most challenging parts of Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin is determining whether the dilated pelvic veins are actually the cause of your symptoms and not an unrelated finding. The presence of dilated veins on an imaging study is not enough to make a diagnosis. Experts are still working on ways to better determine which patients will benefit from treatment.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Treated?
Treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous origin focuses on relieving pain and addressing the underlying vein issues. Common approaches include:
- Ovarian vein embolization, which is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the affected veins to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms
- Medications to manage pain and improve circulation
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
- Surgical closure of pelvic varicose veins
Your provider will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
During your appointment, your provider will discuss your symptoms, including the severity and duration of your pelvic pain. They might conduct a physical exam and perform a pelvic ultrasound or order imaging tests to evaluate the pelvic veins.
If pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous origin is diagnosed, treatment often begins with conservative measures, such as medications (progestins) or lifestyle adjustments. If symptoms persist, your provider might recommend referral to an interventional radiologist for ovarian vein embolization or other interventions to target the root cause of the congestion. Throughout your care, your provider will guide you toward the best options for symptom relief.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.
Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, lower abdominal pain, and discomfort that worsens after standing, sitting, or sexual intercourse, bloating, and fatigue. Some individuals experience visible pelvic varicose veins in the vulva (labial region) or pain during their menstrual cycle.
While it might not be possible to completely prevent pelvic congestion syndrome, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can support better blood flow and reduce the risk of vein-related conditions.
Treatment options include ovarian vein embolization, medications for pain relief, lifestyle changes to improve blood flow. In some cases, surgical interventions might be needed for severe symptoms.
Ovarian vein embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous origin by blocking affected veins, improving blood flow, and reducing symptoms. It is often recommended for individuals with persistent or severe pelvic pain caused by varicose veins.