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Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Understanding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, your vascular and cardiovascular health means everything to us. 

When you’re dealing with a vein-related condition such as pelvic congestion syndrome, we want to help. 

Pelvic congestion syndrome affects approximately 15 to 40% of women aged 20 to 50. This condition causes chronic pelvic pain due to varicose veins within the pelvis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome or is at risk of developing the condition, it is vital to get evaluated and understand the treatment options available. 

Let’s discuss pelvic congestion syndrome in more detail, including what it is, common symptoms, and innovative pelvic congestion syndrome treatment options. 

diagram of pelvic congestion syndrome

What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome, or pelvic venous insufficiency, is a vascular condition that causes blood to pool within varicose or bulging pelvis veins, leading to pain. 

These abnormal veins can be secondary to abnormalities of the gonadal veins or compression of a vein in the pelvis called, May-Thurner. Unfortunately, this is a common yet underdiagnosed condition for many women with chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is classified as pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis for over 6 months. Unfortunately, 60% of women with pelvic pain never get a proper diagnosis. The diagnosis for PCS is often not thought of during evaluation and workup.


Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Symptoms

People living with pelvic congestion syndrome often experience a number of symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

The most common symptoms include

  • Increased pain with standing, sitting, and physical activity
  • Improved pain with lying down
  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding
  • Irritable bladder
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Varicose veins
  • POTS syndrome
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Migraines
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

Risk Factors for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

While anyone, at any age, can develop pelvic congestion syndrome, you are considered at increased risk of developing this condition if you’ve had or currently have the following:

  • Two or more pregnancies
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Varicose veins
  • Hormonal imbalance

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment Options

There are two main ways that we effectively treat pelvic congestion syndrome.

They include:

illustration of iliac venous stenting

Iliac Venous Stenting

Pelvic congestion syndrome can be secondary to compression of the left common iliac vein, the draining vein in the pelvis. This is due to an anatomical compression of the right iliac artery compressing the left common iliac vein. By limiting blood drainage out of the pelvis, blood finds alternative routes through veins in the pelvis and spine, causing them to dilate and potentially cause pain.

This treatment option involves placing a stent within the compressed iliac vein to regain its standard size and decompressing venous pressure in the pelvis.

ovarian vein embolization

Ovarian Vein Embolization

Dilation of pelvic veins may be secondary to a leaky gonadal vein, allowing blood to back up into the pelvis instead of moving forward to the heart. This is diagnosed by performing a venogram or dye test with an X-ray to watch blood flow within the gonadal vein. 

If reflux is noted, along with dilated varicose veins within the pelvis, this type of treatment is performed to shut down the vein with coils or embolized.

Relieving Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment You Can Trust

You shouldn’t have to live with chronic pelvic pain. You also shouldn’t have to manage your pain without a proper diagnosis.

The physicians at CardioVascular Health Clinic are qualified to diagnose and treat pelvic congestion syndrome and its potential life-altering symptoms.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms consistent with pelvic congestion syndrome, we can help. We offer effective treatment options, like ovarian vein embolization, to help you eliminate pelvic pain and feel your best again.

Call us at 405-701-9880 or book a consultation online today.

Patient Resources

We’re committed to timely, efficient, and affordable care.
Here is a collection of useful resources our new and existing patients need in one convenient location.
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Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.
Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.
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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.

The staff, the nurses, and Dr. Parsons were all amazing. Everything was simple and went well – very Bravo Zulu (military phrase meaning "well done"). In addition to the great staff at CardioVascular Health Clinic, the facilities were clean and well maintained. I have no complaints about anything. The whole experience was A1. I would recommend Dr. Parsons to anyone. He made a huge impact on my life.

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John W.

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