Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)

Chronic pelvic pain is a very common problem in the United States. It accounts for 10 to 15 percent of referrals to gynecologists and pain clinics. For some women, the cause of their pelvic pain is a condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). It may go undiagnosed simply because physicians are often unfamiliar with it or fail to look for it.

Symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)

Many times, symptoms don't appear until a woman becomes pregnant, and then they continue after the pregnancy. The main symptom of PCS is pelvic pain. The pain typically worsens as the day goes on, especially for women who sit or stand all day, and then goes away after a night of sleep. Learn more about pelvic pain.

The pain can also worsen:

• During or following intercourse
• Around menstrual periods
• After certain physical activities, such as bicycling or horseback riding

Causes of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)

Pelvic congestion syndrome occurs when varicose veins develop around the ovaries, similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs. Then:

1. The valves in the veins no longer function normally.
2. This causes blood to back up.
3. The veins become engorged or “congested,” which can be very painful.

Treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome  

After we confirm a diagnosis of PCS, we will discuss treatment options with you. Treatments for PCS include:

• Hormonal medications
• Embolization, a minimally invasive catheter procedure to “plug” the varicose vein

Learn more about pelvic congestion syndrome treatment.