Understanding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)
Reducing pelvic pain and providing comprehensive treatment.
Pelvic pain can happen to anyone at any age and can be brought on by various factors.
From pregnancy to direct pelvic trauma, all types of pelvic issues can cause debilitating pain that interferes with your daily life and ability to function. This is especially true if the pelvic pain you are experiencing is chronic and long-lasting.
One of the most common reasons women of reproductive age experience pelvic pain outside their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy is pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).
Although most think that pelvic congestion syndrome is tied to a bone or muscle issue, mainly since symptoms directly affect the pelvic region, it has much more to do with venous health.
If you are experiencing continual pelvic pain that does not seem to be tied to trauma or reproductive health, it may be due to pelvic congestion syndrome. In fact, of those suffering from chronic pelvic pain, 30% are diagnosed with PCS.
Our experienced and compassionate team at Texas Endovascular is here to get to the bottom of your symptoms by reducing pelvic pain and restoring optimal vein health.
Let’s discuss pelvic congestion syndrome in more detail, including symptoms, causes, risk factors, and state-of-the-art treatment options.
What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a chronic condition that occurs when varicose veins form in the pelvic region just below the abdomen.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Symptoms
The most common and reported symptom of PCS is a chronic dull pain that worsens:
- in the days leading up to menstruation
- in the evenings
- after long periods of sitting or standing
- during or after sexual intercourse
- throughout pregnancy, especially during the third trimester
Besides chronic pelvic pain, people with PCS may experience:
- abnormal bleeding during menstruation
- increased pain during menstrual cycles
- backache
- depression
- fatigue
- varicose veins on other parts of the body
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- swelling of the vagina or vulva
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- increased urination
- irritable bowel syndrome
- pain in the hips and thighs
Causes of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Pregnancy is the most common cause of pelvic congestion syndrome.
The main factors that contribute to PCS due to pregnancy include
Structural alterations in the pelvis.
An issue or abnormality with the ovarian vein.
An increase in bodily fluid and weight to support the baby.
An increase in estrogen.
It is important to note that both men and women can develop pelvic congestion syndrome.
Outside of pregnancy, other factors that contribute to a PCS diagnosis include drastic hormonal and physical changes.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Risk Factors
While pregnancy increases your risk of developing PCS the most, other risk factors include:
- more than one pregnancy
- hormonal changes
- having a “tipped” uterus
- polycystic ovaries
- Obesity and extra weight, especially in the legs
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for PCS is centered around reducing and alleviating chronic and painful symptoms.
Although there is currently no cure for PCS, pain reduction can include over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
The most successful treatment for those with moderate to severe symptoms is pelvic vein embolization. This minimally invasive option blocks off certain varicose veins causing pain in the pelvic region. Vein treatments like this procedure have shown a significant reduction in PCS-related symptoms.
Studies have shown a significant reduction in PCS-related symptoms for those who opt into this procedure.
As with any condition, the best course of action is to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional who will provide you with a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for your unique health and wellness profile.
Advanced Pelvic Care Close to Home
You don’t have to live with chronic pelvic pain forever.
We are here to help reduce pains and eliminate varicose veins through advanced treatment that won’t require extensive surgery or long-term recovery.
Texas Endovascular provides the most advanced and minimally invasive vein treatments for the Greater Houston and Dallas area.
Our vein specialists are experienced in pelvic congestion syndrome treatment and caring for other common and complex vein diseases.
To learn more about varicose vein treatment options or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
