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Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment

Pelvic congestion syndrome, or PCS, results from pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI), where the pelvic veins become enlarged (similar to varicose veins that are common in the lower legs). With PVI, pelvic varicose veins bulge and stretch, causing chronic pelvic pain and a sensation of heaviness in the lower pelvis. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is treated with pelvic embolization, an outpatient procedure that closes off blood supply to the failing veins and redirects it to normally functioning veins.

Treatment

Pelvic Venous Embolization
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is treated with pelvic venous embolization, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that closes off blood supply to the failing veins and redirects blood flow to normally functioning veins in the pelvis. After treatment, patients can return to normal activities immediately.

FAQ

What are the symptoms? Expand

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 the day)
  • Pregnancy

Other symptoms include:

  • Irritable bladder
  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Varicose veins on vulva, buttocks, or thigh
What are the risk factors? Expand

Risk factors include two or more pregnancies and hormonal increases, the fullness of leg vein, polycystic ovaries, or hormonal dysfunction.

How is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome diagnosed? Expand

Once other abnormalities or inflammation has been ruled out by a thorough pelvic exam, pelvic congestion syndrome can be diagnosed through several minimally invasive methods.

Pelvic Venography - Thought to be the most accurate method for diagnosis, a venogram is performed by injecting contrast dye in the veins of the pelvic organs to make them visible during an X-ray. To help the accuracy of diagnosis, interventional radiologists examine patients on an incline, because the veins decrease in size when lying flat.

MRI - One of the best non-invasive way of diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome. The exam needs to be done in a way that is specifically adapted for looking at the pelvic blood vessels. A standard MRI may not show the abnormality.

Pelvic Ultrasound - Usually not very helpful in diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome unless done in a very specific manner with the patient standing while the study is being done. Ultrasound may be used to exclude other problems that might be causing pelvic pain.

Transvaginal Ultrasound - This technique is used to see better inside the pelvic cavity. As with a pelvic ultrasound, it is not very good at visualizing the pelvic veins unless standing. However, it may be used to exclude other problems.

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