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Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin) Treatment Near Fredericksburg, VA
Experience comprehensive treatment and relief from pelvic congestion syndrome.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), also known as Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin, occurs when varicose veins develop in the pelvic region. The condition arises due to weakened vein walls and malfunctioning valves that fail to prevent blood flow back-ups. This results in enlarged veins, which cause chronic pelvic pain, particularly when standing, sitting for extended periods, or engaging in sexual intercourse. Additional symptoms include pelvic heaviness, fatigue, and bloating.
The venous congestion impairs normal blood circulation, creating constant discomfort that impacts the pelvic organs. Although pelvic pain of venous origin is more prevalent among women with multiple pregnancies, it can affect anyone who has certain risk factors.
Why Does Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Occur?
Pelvic pain of venous origin, also known as pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), occurs when the pelvic veins, including the ovarian veins, cannot efficiently circulate blood. This dysfunction results in blood pooling, or backflow, in the veins, which causes varicose veins, leading to pressure and pain. The condition can be triggered by several factors:
- 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 accumulation of blood in the pelvic veins leads to the congestion and pain commonly experienced with this condition. Individuals in Fredericksburg and beyond may experience persistent discomfort due to this blood buildup in the pelvic area.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pelvic pain of venous origin, or pelvic congestion syndrome, involves a comprehensive approach. The process typically begins with a detailed review of your medical history and a discussion of your symptoms. Imaging techniques such as vaginal ultrasound, pelvic venography, or MRI are commonly used to assess the pelvic veins, identify varicose veins, and detect blood flow irregularities.
While pelvic venography, a specialized X-ray of the pelvic veins, was once considered the standard for diagnosis, ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans focused on blood flow are now sufficient. These diagnostic methods help your provider determine the underlying cause of your pelvic pain.
A major challenge in diagnosing pelvic pain of venous origin is distinguishing whether the dilated veins are the true source of the pain or simply an unrelated finding. The presence of dilated veins in imaging studies alone is not enough for a diagnosis, and experts continue to search for better ways to identify patients who will benefit from treatment.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Treated?
Treatment for pelvic pain of venous origin, or pelvic congestion syndrome, focuses on alleviating pain and treating the underlying vein problems. Common treatment options include:
- Ovarian vein embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the affected veins to enhance blood flow and reduce discomfort
- Medications aimed at managing pain and promoting better circulation
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing prolonged sitting or standing
- Surgical closure of pelvic varicose veins to address the root cause of symptoms
Your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs, helping you manage symptoms and enhance your overall well-being. For patients in Fredericksburg, this approach ensures the most effective care for improving quality of life.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
During your appointment, your provider will review your symptoms, including the intensity and duration of your pelvic pain. They may perform a physical exam, conduct a pelvic ultrasound, or order imaging tests to assess the pelvic veins.
If pelvic pain of venous origin, or pelvic congestion syndrome, is diagnosed, initial treatment typically involves conservative approaches, such as medications like progestins or making lifestyle changes. If symptoms continue, your provider may recommend referral to an interventional radiologist for ovarian vein embolization or other targeted treatments to address the underlying cause. Throughout your care, your provider will help you explore the most effective options for managing symptoms and improving comfort.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health with a focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical solutions when necessary. We strive to provide the highest level of care through both non-surgical and surgical interventions tailored to meet each patient's unique needs.
Our team specializes in non-surgical treatments for a variety of conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. By offering these specialized services, we aim to provide relief and improve the quality of life for our patients, minimizing the need for invasive procedures whenever possible.
Recognizing the growing needs in the Fredericksburg community, we have expanded our services to include routine gynecological care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormone imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive services, urinary incontinence treatment, and pelvic organ prolapse care. Our comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of women's health are addressed with the utmost care and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pelvic congestion syndrome often presents with chronic pelvic discomfort, lower abdominal pain, and pain that intensifies after standing, sitting for long periods, or during sexual intercourse. Individuals may also experience bloating, fatigue, and in some cases, visible varicose veins in the vulva (labial region) or menstrual pain.
Although complete prevention of pelvic congestion syndrome is not always possible, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing can enhance blood circulation and help lower the risk of vein-related conditions.
Treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome may involve ovarian vein embolization, pain-relief medications, and lifestyle changes aimed at improving blood flow. For severe cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to address the most persistent symptoms.
Ovarian vein embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pelvic congestion syndrome. By blocking the affected veins, it helps restore proper blood flow and alleviates symptoms, offering a solution for individuals with ongoing pelvic pain caused by varicose veins.