What is Pelvic Congestion?

Pelvic congestion is a condition that occurs in women who develop varicose veins in their pelvic region. Varicose veins are veins that swell, twist, and ultimately lengthen due to poor vein function. Pelvic congestion is painful and can often be debilitating both mentally and physically. 

It is relatively common. Approximately one-third of all women will suffer from the condition at some point in their lifetime. Because pelvic pain is difficult to diagnose in general, the condition can also often be difficult to diagnose. However, experts say approximately thirty percent of chronic pain patients suffer from pelvic congestion syndrome. 

Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion

Pelvic pain due to pelvic congestion can be chronic. By definition, chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than six months and is unrelated to your menstrual cycle. Below you will find some of the common symptoms of pelvic congestion.

• Pelvic Pain: Those with pelvic congestion experience pain during and after sexual intercourse. Also, they feel it during the days before menstruation, after standing for long periods, at night, and during the late stages of pregnancy.
• Energy and Mental Health: You may experience fatigue. Some people even feel depressed.
• Menstrual Issues: Those with pelvic congestion may experience painful menstrual cycles and abnormal bleeding.
• Vaginal Issues: You may experience swelling in your vaginal area. There can also be abnormal discharge. You might notice varicose veins around the vulva.
• Other Types of Pain: Outside of the pelvic region, you may experience tenderness in your abdomen, backaches, and hip pain.
• Bathroom Issues: You may experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Also, there can be an increase in the number of times you urinate.

What Causes Pelvic Congestion?

The exact cause of pelvic congestion is not clear, but there are risk factors that make people much more susceptible to the condition. Below are several risk factors common in most women who have the condition. 

• Age: The majority of women affected by the condition are between the ages of twenty and forty-five. They often also have had multiple pregnancies. 
• Pregnancy: Structural changes occur during pregnancy. These changes can affect certain blood vessels, which increases a woman’s risk for developing varicose veins. An additional risk factor is the weight gain and fluid retention that occurs during pregnancy. The veins are often unable to accommodate the additional fluid, which can damage them. Lastly, a rise in levels of estrogen during pregnancy can weaken the walls of blood vessels.

It is clear that women who have been pregnant or who have had more than one pregnancy are at a higher risk for developing pelvic congestion.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Pelvic congestion syndrome symptoms vary greatly. One of the most impactful aspects of the condition is the fact that the pain can be debilitating. However, the good news is that it does not impact your life expectancy and can the symptoms can be treated. Sometimes the pain may affect your sex and social lives and can cause isolation. 

Some patients experience depression, and this is entirely normal. Talking to your medical provider about your mental health is equally as important as discussing your physical health. Talk therapy has been helpful for those who experience depression in combination with their pelvic congestion. 

Diagnostic Techniques

This condition can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Still, medical providers have various methods to find out what is causing your pelvic pain. Medical providers often use one or a combination of the following methods: 

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan. 

Once diagnosed, there are multiple treatment options to help you get back to normal again. The most common is pelvic vein embolization. This procedure is minimally invasive and is highly successful. Some medications can help manage your pain until the treatment finishes.  

Vein Experts in Beverly Hills

If you experience pelvic pain and are concerned you may have pelvic congestion, contact the experts at Beverly Hills Vein and Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Madyoon and his team are the most trusted vein experts. They focus on diagnosing and treating patients as quickly and smoothly as possible. Patient comfort and care is their number one priority. Contact Dr. Madyoon today for an appointment!