Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a relatively uncommon and often underdiagnosed condition, but it is treatable. It is characterized by varicose veins around the ovaries and uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain in women aged 30 to 50. At Liv Hospital Vascular Surgery Clinic, patients with PCS receive care from experienced specialists in the field.
What Causes Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
- Pregnancies
- Obesity
- Previous deep vein thrombosis
- Inactivity
- Spending long periods of time sitting or standing for long periods of time
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Common symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) include:
- The most common complaint is pain and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and groin.
This pain and fullness often worsen during urination, bowel movements, sexual intercourse, or menstrual periods.
Varicose veins may develop in the groin, lower abdomen, and legs.
Some patients may experience frequent urination or notice blood in their urine.
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs frequently occur together with PCS
How is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of PCS can often be made using detailed color Doppler ultrasonography of the groin and abdominal veins. In some cases, visualizing the affected veins with contrast-enhanced CT or angiography may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment?
Medications may be considered for early-stage patients. Some drugs that prevent vasodilation and establish hormone balance can reduce the rate of progression of the disease and sometimes stop the progression. In addition, various painkillers can be used to relieve pelvic pain.
However, the most important technique in the definitive treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is embolization of the problematic pelvic veins through a catheter. In these interventions, which are performed through the groin or neck vein, enlarged and structurally impaired veins in the pelvic region are detected. These problematic veins are closed with special equipment (coils, foam, sclerosing drugs, etc.). Pelvic venous embolization boasts a 99% technical success rate and a recurrence rate of less than 10%.
These procedures can be performed year-round, with most patients discharged on the same day and able to return to work and daily activities the following day. The timing is not affected by menstrual periods, and fertility or menstrual patterns remain unchanged after treatment.
These procedures can be performed year-round, with most patients discharged on the same day and able to return to work and daily activities the following day. The timing is not affected by menstrual periods, and fertility or menstrual patterns remain unchanged after treatment.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
Visit Liv Hospitals.