Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Millions of women experience chronic pelvic pain severe enough to interfere with their daily lives. For many of these women, the pain is caused by a damaged vein or veins in the pelvis, a condition called pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).

Pelvic congestion syndrome typically occurs in women of childbearing age who have had multiple pregnancies. The combination of hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause veins to stretch and become damaged. After childbirth, the vein does not return to normal, instead remaining thick, swollen, and unable to effectively return blood back to the heart. Common symptoms of pelvic congestion include:

Dull ache or heaviness in the pelvis or lower back that worsens when standing or during menses
Abdominal pain during or after sex
Varicose veins on the genital area and/or thighs
Urinary urgency, sometimes with incontinence
Bowel issues (abdominal pain and alternating diarrhea and constipation)

Diagnosing pelvic congestion

Pelvic congestion syndrome can be easily confused with other conditions that cause pelvic pain. Because the problem veins are located deep in the pelvis, it takes special diagnostics to pinpoint them. CORA interventional radiologists are experts in using ultrasound and x-ray guided imaging to diagnose PCS.

Treatment for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

A minimally invasive procedure called Pelvic Vein Embolization (PVE) or Ovarian Vein Embolization (OVE) can be performed to permanently close off the problem vein, relieving the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome.

A CORA interventional radiologist will insert a flexible tube through a tiny nick in your skin and guide the tip through your vascular system to the damaged vein. Either heat or a special chemical will be delivered directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and permanently close. Your body will now re-route blood to other, healthier veins, consequently relieving your symptoms. Most women experience relief within a few days after having the procedure and 85-95% of women report total relief or significant relief of their pain and symptoms.

Benefits of pelvic vein embolization