Pelvic congestion syndrome is a specific form of chronic pelvic pain caused by varicose veins within the ovaries and pelvis. Varicose veins form when veins are weakened, causing blood to pool, which adds pressure and expands the veins. This condition can occur during pregnancy, and is also attributed to estrogen production, which causes the veins to dilate.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Symptoms and Diagnosis
Patients experiencing pelvic congestion syndrome usually experience mild pain which can be made worse during prolonged periods of standing, sexual intercourse or menstruation. To diagnose congestion, your physician will perform an ultrasound of the pelvic region, and may request additional imaging tests (CT, MRI). A laparoscopy, in which a small tube with a camera is inserted into an incision in the belly, may also be used.
Treatment Options for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Your interventional radiologist will perform a minimally invasive procedure guided by X-ray imaging technology during which a small tube, a catheter, will be fed into a femoral artery in the groin. Imaging will allow your radiologist to guide the tube to the expanded vein and release embolic agents, which block excess blood from continuing to enter the affected vein. The lack of blood flow will cause the vein to shrink, which will relieve the feelings of pain and pressure.
Our interventional radiology team uses advanced techniques to treat pelvic congestion syndrome including:
- Ovarian Vein Embolization
For More Information
To schedule an appointment with one of our interventional radiologists, please call 847.570.2160.