Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, abbreviated as PCS, is a chronic condition affecting women. Experts believe it results from varicose veins in the pelvis, causing long-term pelvic pain.

Veins are vessels that carry blood from other body parts to the heart.

In some women, the valves inside the veins pumping blood back to the heart may weaken and fail to close as they should. Hence, the blood starts flowing backward, pulling in the vein. As a result, it creates pressure and enlarged veins to cause pain in the ovaries, vulva, and uterus.  

Often, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome affects women of reproductive age. Women aged 20 to 50 who have previously carried pregnancies are more at risk. Studies show that about 15% of women get PCS in the US. But, not all women with pelvic congestion have symptoms. But, if symptoms are present, you can get treated using less invasive procedures.

The pains associated with pelvic congestion can be severe, lasting six months or more. The abdominal pain has no relation to period cramps. At times, it is hard to diagnose PCS, and more often, it is misdiagnosed.

What Causes Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

The research on the causes of PCS is still not conclusive. But some scientists believe that the physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy may prompt pressure accumulation in the veins around the ovaries.

During pregnancy, the body produces estrogen, weakening the lower abdominal veins. As a result, the veins widen (dilate).

The Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Women with pelvic congestion syndrome experience pain for several months. The pain, in most cases, occurs on one side and affects their daily life.

More PCS symptoms include:

  • Pain that intensifies during menstruation
  • Feeling uncomfortable or painful during sex (dyspareunia)
  • Dull, aching pain in the lower back and pelvis
  • Varicose veins on your butt and (or) the upper thigh
  • Visible bulging veins in the vaginal area
  • Stressed bladder; making it hard to control your short call
  • At times, you may find it painful and difficult to stand for long

Diagnosing Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

The initial step in treating PCS is to do diagnostic tests. A gynecologist examines your pelvic and rules out any irregularities. They’ll refer you for Pelvic Venography, a minimally invasive test. This test confirms the presence of varicose veins in the lower abdomen. The gynecologist also verifies if there is any connection between the pain and PCS.

Pelvic venography

Pelvic venography is a procedure that involves injecting contrast into the pelvic organ veins. The contrast makes veins visible, enabling the physician to identify a varicose vein. Veins tend to reduce size when you lie low, so the physician will check a patient on an incline.

The diagnostic test may be positive for PCS. If so, we treat you using ovarian vein embolization.

An Interventional Radiologist (IR) performs the ovarian vein embolization. A doctor can perform this procedure as an outpatient procedure. So, you don’t need to stay overnight in the hospital.

An IR inserts a thin catheter into the femoral vein in your pelvic. The IR guides the catheter to the affected vein with the help of fluoroscopy, which allows them to see the veins. Small coils with a sclerosing agent are administered via the catheter to detach the affected veins. You may return to your day-to-day routine immediately.

Who’s at risk of getting Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

As mentioned earlier, the most affected group are women of childbearing age. It is commoner for those with more than one kid.

Other risk factors include:

  • Having a “tipped” or retroverted uterus
  • Hormonal dysfunction
  • Vein fullness in your legs
  • Polycystic ovaries

Visit MG Heal Clinic to check whether PCS is the cause of pain in your pelvic. Discussing treatment options in advance would also be a good idea.

Advantages and Risks

Here at MG Heal, our minimally invasive procedure is beneficial in treating pelvic congestion syndrome. It is less invasive and relieves the pain that comes with PCS. You do not need general anesthesia, as well as no hospital overnight, stay. On top of it all, you can get back to business as usual after the procedure.

However, procedures involving skin penetration might have the risk of getting an infection. Our doctors can advise you on the pros and cons.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At MG Heal, we have the best specialists in treating Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Our specialists use minimally invasive procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of PCS.

MG Heal aims to deliver excellent medical services to all our patients. Contact us today or make an appointment for all the answers to your health questions. Each visit to our clinic matters!