What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Many women who experience chronic pain in the pelvic region and seek accurate diagnosis discover the pain results from hard-to-detect varicose veins in the ovaries, uterus and vulva.

What causes this condition?

The problem is caused by the same condition as varicose veins of the leg—a weakening in the valves in the vein that help return blood to the heart. These valves are working against gravity. When they become weakened and fail to properly close, blood “backs up” and pools in the veins. The veins then experience pressure, bulge and cause pain.

Who is most commonly affected by pelvic congestion syndrome?

Women under the age of 45 who are in their childbearing years, have experienced previous pregnancies (two or more), and have polycystic ovaries are at greatest risk for pelvic congestion syndrome. This is because ovarian veins grow in size with each pregnancy.

What are the specific symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?

The most common symptom is a dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that increases during menstruation, after intercourse, during pregnancy, and when tired from standing (usually at the end of the day). Other symptoms might include abnormal menstrual bleeding, an irritable bladder, or vaginal discharge.

How does the radiologist diagnose pelvic congestion syndrome?

The most accurate test involves pelvic venography. To make the veins of the pelvic organs visible during an x-ray, a contrast dye is injected. Because veins decrease in size when a woman is lying flat, patients are examined on an incline during pelvic venography. The radiologist might also use an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) study designed specifically to examine pelvic blood vessels.