Home » Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Pelvic congestion syndrome is an under recognised treatable cause of chronic pelvic pain. It is a vascular disease that develops when the veins in the pelvis are unable to efficiently push blood back towards the heart. This results from venous incompetence which is where the valves within the ovarian veins are not functioning correctly resulting in backflow of blood. This leads to blood pooling within the veins in the pelvis causing them to swell and bulge similar to varicose veins in the legs. It is sometimes associated with varicose veins in the thigh, buttock regions or vaginal area.
The main symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome is pelvic pain. The pain may be an aching or heavy feeling, or it can be sharp. The pain often worsens throughout the day and is aggravated by standing/sitting. The pain may also worsen after intercourse, menstruation or certain physical activities.
Pelvic pain in women can have many causes. In the first instance, the best person for a patient to talk to is a GP or gynaecologist who can diagnose the cause of the problem. If you are suspected of having pelvic congestion syndrome, an interventional radiologist such as Dr Ryan McConnell can discuss a less invasive treatment known as ovarian vein embolisation.
The exact cause of pelvic congestion syndrome is unknown. However, there are several risk factors associated with the development of pelvic congestion syndrome:
Pelvic pain in women can have many causes. In the first instance, the best person for a patient to talk to is a GP or gynaecologist who can diagnose the cause of the problem. If you are suspected of having pelvic congestion syndrome, an interventional radiologist such as Dr Ryan McConnell can discuss a less invasive treatment known as ovarian vein embolisation.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is generally diagnosed through the presence of its symptoms. You may be sent for diagnostic imaging to support the diagnosis and exclude other possible causes of your symptoms.
There are several treatment options for pelvic congestion syndrome.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is usually due to a problem with the valves that pump blood from the pelvis towards your heart. Whist surgical management of these veins used to be the only treatment option there are now less invasive treatments that block the abnormally dilated veins which removes the pressure in the pelvis and improves pain.
Treatment is only necessary if there are symptoms present. If symptoms are not managed with pain medication, patients may consider ovarian vein embolisation. Dr McConnell is an interventional radiologist and is happy to discuss ovarian vein embolisation to ensure patients are well informed of their treatment options.
Please click here to read more about ovarian vein embolisation.
Suite 503, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
North Shore Health Hub - Ground Floor, Rockwell Medical Centre, 7 Westbourne Street, St Leonards 2065
Nepean Private Specialist Centre, Suite 3, 1A Barber Avenue, Kingswood 2747
Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday