Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is one of the causes of chronic pelvic pain, a condition very common in women that can potentially lead to significant disability. Approximately one third of all women will suffer from chronic pelvic pain at some point during their lifetime.
This can lead to leg swelling and discoloration, heaviness, tiredness, and aching pain in the legs or pelvis. Venous insufficiency can also result in varicose veins, spider veins, pelvic congestion syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis or blood clots.
Patients may also experience an irritable bladder, abnormal menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharge. Varicose veins may be present on the vulva, buttocks and thighs. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, depression, rectal discomfort and chronic lower back pain.
Other symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome may include: Aching in the legs. Lower back pain. Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)Although pelvic varicose veins can cause pain and are the hallmark of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), many normal women will have enlarged pelvic veins discovered on an ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan, especially if they have had children.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition featuring chronic pain occurring in the setting of pelvic varicosities. These patients also frequently complain of urinary urgency. Occlusion of varicose ovarian veins is usually advocated for controlling the symptoms of this disease.
Patients with PCS often complain of dull, heavy, and aching or throbbing sensation in the pelvis. They will often have pelvic fatigue with low back and or hip pain. These symptoms worsening during the daytime and are aggravated by standing. Lying down often relieves symptoms.
Risk factors for pelvic congestion syndrome may include hereditary factors, hormonal influence, pelvic surgery, retroverted uterus, a history of varicose veins, and multiple pregnancies.
Sometimes the diagnosis of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome can be difficult as many other conditions can mimic the same symptoms. The specific diagnosis of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome can be made using several imaging tests such as Ultrasound, CT Scan or MRI.
Due to the blood clots the veins become narrowed and scarred. This causes "backup" of blood in the leg veins on the affected side. Patients may experience swelling and pain in the affected leg.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is best described as varicose veins in the pelvis. When the veins in the pelvis become enlarged they can cause pain, frequent urination, and constipation.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) can cause symptoms similar to IBS. April is IBS Awareness Month and we want to make everyone aware that there is another condition out there that can give you similar symptoms to IBS, but is actually caused by internal varicose veins in the pelvis, known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.
Making the diagnosis more challenging is the vast array of the associated symptoms, including cyclic pain (with menstrual periods), dyspareunia, bladder irritability, GI symptoms and low back pain. Hemorrhoids and/or varicose veins of the perineum, buttocks or lower extremities may also be noted.
Brief Summary: The pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a complex and multifactorial condition associated with inflammatory and hormonal etiophatogenesis similar to the endometriosis. Furthermore, both pathologies share same clinical symptoms as chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia.
Gastrointestinal and urinary tract symptoms are common. Bloating, nausea, and diffuse abdominal cramping are common. Urinary frequency and urgency may be noted. These are probably a function of the venous engorgement of the peri-vesicle and rectal spaces.
In some women, it may be the result of high blood pressure in the veins of pelvis. This is called pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).
"Any regular cardiovascular exercise and deep stretching that increases blood flow specifically to the buttocks, pelvis and groins area -- such as yoga, power walking, jogging or cycling--is going to increase circulation to the genitals, and as a result, rekindle sexual arousal and orgasmic function."
Some pelvic conditions that are associated with pain also are associated with difficulty getting pregnant. These include: Endometriosis. Up to 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis are not able to get pregnant,1 making this condition one of the top three causes of female infertility.
Also, it has been found that more than half of women with pelvic congestion syndrome have ovarian cysts, dysmenorrhea or irregular periods.
