Pelvic Congestion Disease
What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome occurs when there are varicose veins in the ovaries and uterus or other pelvic areas. An estimated one-third of women experience pelvic pain in their lower back and lower abdomen areas throughout their lifetimes and advances in technology and diagnostics have determined that Pelvic Congestion Syndrome could potentially be a cause.
This condition is hard to detect and is often missed during pelvic exams because the veins tend to deflate once the patient lies down on the examination table. Varicose veins in the pelvic area are caused by deficient veins that cause blood to pool and the vein to stretch and bulge, the same way varicose veins are formed throughout the rest of the body. Recent research suggested narrowed larger veins.
Signs that you may be experiencing Pelvic Congestion Syndrome:
- Lower back and abdominal pain during menstruation, following intercourse, when tired or standing up at the end of the day, and during pregnancy.
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Vaginal discharge
- Varicose veins on the vulva, buttocks or thighs
- Irritable bladder
- Irritable bowel syndrome associated symptoms
Additionally, there are certain risk factors that can make women more susceptible to developing Pelvic Congestion Syndrome such as:
- Having two or more pregnancies
- A tipped or retroverted uterus
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Hormonal abnormalities
How is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treated?
This painful condition can be treated with iliac vein stenting and/orovarian vein or other pelvic vein embolization or closure, a safe and minimally-invasive procedure. The affected veins are visualized by using x-ray technology and a contrast dye and /or intravascular ultrasound. Then, a small, thin catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and is passed through to the damaged veins. From the catheter, a synthetic agent or medication is then dispersed. This will cause the blood to clot and seal the faulty veins permanently in a very safe manner.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Up to 95 percent of women who go through this simple and efficient treatment experience improvement. Within a week, most patients completely return to normal activities. Any discomfort after the procedure can be typically controlled by prescribed medication.