Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic congestion syndrome is most common in women under 45 years of age who have been pregnant. Pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and lower back. Our Vein Center IR physicians will examine patients in which they suspect problems examined while reclining, since when lying flat the pressure on ovarian veins is relieved and thus diagnosis is often missed.

Prevalence

• Women with pelvic congestion syndrome are typically less than 45 years old and in their child bearing years.
• Ovarian veins increase in size related to previous pregnancies. Pelvic congestion syndrome is unusual in women who have not been pregnant.
• Chronic pelvic pain accounts for 15% of outpatient gynecologic visits.
• Studies show 30% of patients with chronic pelvic pain have pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) as a sole cause of their pain and an additional 15% have PCS along with another pelvic pathology.

Risk Factors

• Two or more pregnancies and hormonal increases
• Fullness of leg veins
• Polycystic ovaries
• Hormonal dysfunction

Symptoms

The chronic pain that is associated with this disease is usually dull and aching. The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and lower back. The pain often increases during the following times:

• Following intercourse
• Menstrual periods
• When tired or when standing (worse at end of day)
• Pregnancy

Other symptoms include:

• Irritable bladder
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Varicose veins on vulva, buttocks or thigh.

For more information of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome visit:

http://www.sirweb.org/patients/chronic-pelvic-pain/

Labial Varicose Veins

A percentage of patients with varicosities in their legs may also have varicosities in their labial or vaginal area. We can treat these with conventional venography embolization or sclerotherapy.

Symptoms

• Can be painful and lead to sexual dysfunction.
• Can bleed or become extremely painful after intercourse