Pelvic pain can have many possible causes, ranging from digestive or urinary conditions to problems involving the reproductive organs. In some cases, however, chronic pelvic discomfort may be related to circulation problems within the pelvic veins. At Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove, Dr. Kevin P. Kern evaluates patients with pelvic pain that may be associated with vein disorders such as pelvic congestion syndrome.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition in which the veins in the pelvis become enlarged and congested due to poor blood flow. Similar to varicose veins in the legs, pelvic veins can stretch and lose their ability to efficiently return blood toward the heart.
When this occurs, blood may pool in the pelvic veins and increase pressure within the vessels. This can lead to ongoing pelvic discomfort and a condition known as chronic pelvic pain.
Pelvic congestion syndrome most commonly affects women who have been pregnant. Hormonal changes and increased pressure in the pelvic veins during pregnancy can weaken the vein walls and valves. For some women, symptoms may worsen after multiple pregnancies.
Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
The most common symptom of PCS is pelvic pain that persists for several months. This long-lasting discomfort is often described as a dull or heavy sensation in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Other symptoms may include:
• Dull pain in the lower back or abdomen when standing or sitting
• Increased pelvic pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Worsening discomfort during menstrual periods
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area
• Bulging veins around the vulva or upper thigh
• Irritable bladder symptoms or frequent urges to urinate
In some cases, pelvic vein disorders may also be associated with symptoms in the legs, such as swelling or discomfort with physical activity.
When Pelvic Pain May Be Vein-Related
Pelvic pain can result from many different medical conditions, which sometimes makes diagnosis challenging. Problems involving the intestines, bladder, or reproductive organs may cause similar symptoms.
However, a small but significant number of women with chronic or recurring pelvic pain have underlying vein disorders that remain undiagnosed for years. When pelvic vein reflux or obstruction is present, circulation problems in the pelvic veins can contribute to persistent discomfort.
Patients whose pelvic pain cannot be explained by other conditions may benefit from further evaluation of the pelvic veins.
Diagnosing Pelvic Vein Disorders
Evaluation may include abdominal or pelvic venous duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow within the pelvic veins. This specialized imaging study examines how blood moves through the veins and helps identify abnormal reflux or obstruction.
Because this type of testing requires detailed evaluation of venous circulation, it is performed in specialized centers experienced in diagnosing vein disease.
When pelvic congestion syndrome is identified, many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms with minimally invasive treatments designed to improve venous circulation.
Why Choose Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove
At Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove, vein disease is the sole focus of the practice. Patients with symptoms that may be related to pelvic vein disorders receive evaluation from Dr. Kevin P. Kern, a board-certified physician with more than 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating vein disease.
Dr. Kern has performed thousands of minimally invasive, catheter-based, and ultrasound-guided vascular procedures and regularly treats complex circulation problems involving both the legs and pelvic veins. His experience in venous disorders allows patients to receive careful evaluation and treatment designed to improve circulation and relieve chronic symptoms.
Schedule Your Vein Evaluation
If you are experiencing persistent pelvic pain that has not been fully explained by other conditions, vein evaluation may help identify the underlying cause. Call 224.521.4224 to schedule your consultation and learn more about treatment options for pelvic congestion syndrome and pelvic vein disorders.