Chronic pelvic pain can be frustrating, especially when the cause isn’t immediately obvious.
For some women, persistent pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort may be related to a condition called Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI), also known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS).
Because its symptoms can overlap with other pelvic conditions, getting an accurate evaluation is an important first step.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is a condition associated with enlarged or abnormal veins in the pelvis.
Similar to varicose veins in the legs, pelvic veins can become enlarged when blood doesn’t flow normally through them. This can contribute to chronic pelvic discomfort in some patients.
What Does Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Feel Like?
Symptoms can vary, but may include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- A dull or aching sensation
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
- Pain that worsens after standing for long periods
- Discomfort that may worsen later in the day
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
Not every patient with pelvic pain has PCS, which is why evaluation is important.
How Is PCS Diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging.
Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to evaluate the pelvic veins and look for other potential causes of pain.
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treated?
Treatment depends on the individual.
For appropriately selected patients, ovarian or pelvic vein embolization may be a minimally invasive treatment option.
During embolization, an Interventional Radiologist uses image guidance to access the affected veins and place materials that reduce abnormal blood flow through those veins.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery is shorter than with traditional open surgery.
When Should You Seek Evaluation?
If you’ve experienced persistent pelvic pain and haven’t found an explanation, it may be worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional.
A proper evaluation can help determine whether Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI), also known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
Find Out If Your Symptoms May Be Related to PCS
At Ayur Interventional & Vascular Care, we specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments for a variety of conditions.
If you have chronic pelvic pain and are wondering whether Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI) or Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) could be contributing to your symptoms, schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns.