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Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin) Treatment Near Lynchburg, VA
Get effective treatment and relief from pelvic congestion syndrome with our specialized care.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), also known as Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin, occurs due to varicose veins in the pelvic region. These enlarged veins form when the vein walls weaken and valves that prevent blood backflow get damaged. This leads to chronic pelvic pain, which typically intensifies with prolonged standing, sitting, or during sexual activity. Additional symptoms include pelvic heaviness, bloating, and fatigue. The condition, caused by poor vein function, disrupts pelvic organ health and is more common in women who've had multiple pregnancies, though it can affect anyone with specific risk factors.
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, also known as pelvic pain of venous origin, happens when the pelvic veins, such as the ovarian veins, struggle to circulate blood properly. This causes blood to pool and flow backward, resulting in varicose veins that lead to pressure and discomfort. Factors that contribute to this condition 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 accumulation of blood in the pelvic veins causes the pressure and pain linked to this condition, affecting many women in Lynchburg.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome, or pelvic pain of venous origin, involves multiple steps and careful evaluation. Your healthcare provider will begin by taking a thorough medical history and discussing your specific symptoms, including when and how they occur. Imaging methods, such as vaginal ultrasounds, pelvic venography, or MRI, are often used to assess the pelvic veins and detect varicose veins or irregular blood flow, providing critical insight into your condition.
While pelvic venography was once the gold standard for diagnosis, ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans focused on blood flow are now often sufficient for diagnosing this condition. These advanced imaging techniques help your provider understand the root cause of pelvic pain and determine the best treatment plan.
A key challenge in diagnosing pelvic pain of venous origin is determining if the dilated veins are truly the source of your symptoms or just an incidental finding. The presence of enlarged veins on imaging alone is not enough to confirm a diagnosis. Experts continue to refine methods for identifying which patients will most benefit from targeted treatment options.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome / Pelvic Pain of Venous Origin Treated?
Treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome, or pelvic pain of venous origin, focuses on alleviating pain and addressing the underlying vein issues contributing to the condition. Common treatment options include:
- Ovarian vein embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the affected veins, improving blood flow and reducing symptoms.
- Medications to help manage pain, reduce discomfort, and improve circulation throughout the pelvic region.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Surgical closure of the pelvic varicose veins, offering a more permanent solution for severe cases.
Your provider will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life, specifically designed for women in Lynchburg dealing with pelvic congestion syndrome.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
During your appointment, your provider will review your symptoms, focusing on the severity and duration of your pelvic pain. A physical exam will likely be conducted, and a pelvic ultrasound or other imaging tests may be ordered to assess the pelvic veins.
If pelvic congestion syndrome, or pelvic pain of venous origin, is diagnosed, treatment often starts with conservative approaches such as medications (progestins) or lifestyle changes. If symptoms continue, your provider may refer you to an interventional radiologist for ovarian vein embolization or other procedures aimed at addressing the underlying cause of the congestion. Throughout your treatment, your provider will offer guidance to help you find the best solutions for symptom relief.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is committed to enhancing your health by offering specialized care with a focus on gynecology and advanced surgical procedures when necessary.
Our team brings expert knowledge in non-surgical treatment for chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and pain related to the vagina, vulva, and bladder.
Since our inception, we've seen the demand in Lynchburg community for more than just specialized care and have expanded our practice to include routine gynecological services, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormone imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive services, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
The typical symptoms include ongoing pelvic discomfort, lower abdominal pain, and a sensation of increased pressure that intensifies after standing, sitting, or during sexual activity, as well as bloating and tiredness. Some people may also notice visible varicose veins in the vulva or experience pain during menstruation.
Although completely preventing pelvic congestion syndrome may not be possible, living a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, can help promote better circulation and lower the likelihood of developing vein-related problems.
Treatment options include ovarian vein embolization, pain-relieving medications, and lifestyle changes that enhance blood flow. In severe cases, surgical treatments may be considered to manage persistent symptoms.
Ovarian vein embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pelvic congestion syndrome / pelvic pain of venous origin by blocking problematic veins, enhancing blood circulation, and alleviating discomfort. This method is typically recommended for individuals experiencing ongoing or severe pelvic pain linked to varicose veins.