Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a fairly common problem in young women typically after pregnancies. Common symptoms are pelvic pain, varicose veins in the genital area, and pain with intercourse. It can also lead to varicose veins in the legs. With an associated condition called “Nutcracker Syndrome” patients can also get left flank pain and blood in the urine.
The most common cause of PCS is valve leakage in the veins going to the ovaries causing reversal of flow (“reflux”). It can also be caused by compression of the pelvic veins called iliac veins and sometimes by a compression of the left kidney vein (“Nutcracker Syndrome”). This results in engorgement of pelvic veins and often leg veins as well and the symptoms of PCS.
A diagnosis can often be made with ultrasound imaging of the ovarian veins or CT or MRI scans and is typically confirmed with dye injection (“Venography”).
Treatment can often lead to symptomatic improvement. Typical treatment is done under local anesthesia using a small needle puncture in the groin or neck and then dye injection into the ovarian veins. This can often be done in an office setting. If ovarian vein reflux is confirmed, the treatment method is to close the ovarian vein typically using a combination of sclerosant medication injection and insertion of small coils to close the ovarian vein.
If you would like to learn more about treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome, call us for a consultation at 201-265-5300.
About us: There are 20 million Americans with vein problems that can seriously affect the quality of their lives. And as we age, they just get worse. As one of the few New Jersey medical practices committed exclusively to vein care, Advanced Vascular Vein Care is uniquely capable of alleviating those problems, whether they are medical or cosmetic. All treatments are non-surgical, usually covered by insurance, and delivered in an office setting. And we do it as it should be done – with compassion, excellence, affordability, convenience, and the personal touch. Call 201-265-5300 or visit AdvancedVascular.com for a quick and easy consultation.