5 Signs of Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome
Pelvic venous congestion syndrome causes blood flow problems that lead to a variety of unwelcome symptoms. Here are five signs you might be living with this condition — and what you can do about it.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
When you think about problem veins, you probably think primarily about varicose veins in the legs. But enlarged veins that aren’t working as they should can also affect your pelvis. There, they can lead to serious symptoms like persistent pain, bladder issues, and more.
If you’re living with ongoing pain in your pelvis, don’t hesitate to talk to our expert providers at Vascular & Interventional Associates. Serving northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, our team can diagnose pelvic pain and, when pelvic venous disorders are to blame, provide a variety of treatment options. We’re here to help you find relief.
Pelvic congestion syndrome 101
This condition primarily affects women who’ve had more than one child or women during and after menopause. In women, it’s to blame for as many as 40% of pelvic pain cases.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is marked by enlarged veins in your pelvis. That can leave you with a heavy, aching, or sharp pain that lasts six months or more.
Other telltale symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome include:
- Pain that gets worse when you change positions
- Pain during sex
- Pain that eases when you lie down
- Bladder irritability and trouble controlling your bladder
- A dragging sensation in your pelvis
- Varicose veins on your thighs or glutes
- Low back pain
- A full feeling in your legs
If those symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment to see one of our board-certified providers. We can help you figure out what’s to blame for your discomfort and determine how to alleviate it.
Diagnosing and treating pelvic congestion syndrome
Our team of vein specialists has a variety of diagnostic tools we can deploy to determine what’s going on in your pelvis. We might recommend a diagnostic ultrasound to see if blood is flowing properly through your pelvic veins, for example.
Depending on what we discover during your ultrasound, we may recommend additional tests like:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Pelvic venography, a minimally invasive test that uses X-ray imaging
With these tools, we can determine if pelvic congestion syndrome is causing your discomfort. If so, we work with you to develop an effective treatment plan. That might include medication or minimally invasive surgery to close off the vein(s) causing your pain.
You have options. If you have persistent pelvic pain, you shouldn’t have to live with it. We’re here to help you find relief. Call our office or request an appointment online today.
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