1. What is it?
PCS is caused by dilation and malfunction of the pelvic veins and, frequently, the gonadal vein. This causes blood to pool (congestion), forming pelvic varicose veins similar to those that appear in the legs. The underlying cause is insufficiency or malfunction of the valves within these veins, which causes blood reflux.
2. Symptoms
The main symptom of PCS is chronic pelvic pain, which is often described as:
- A feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area.
- Positional worsening: when standing, walking or after long periods of sitting, improving when lying down.
- Dyspareunia: pain during sexual intercourse.
- Associated venous symptoms: PCS frequently coexists with atypical varicose veins in the upper thighs, the buttock area or the genitals.
3. Treatment
The treatment of choice is embolization, a minimally invasive technique in which, through a puncture in the groin or arm, the insufficient veins are catheterized and occluded by releasing coils (spirals) and/or other sclerosing/occluding agents. It is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia and light sedation.
Frequently asked questions
Is pelvic congestion syndrome related to pregnancy?
Yes, it is a common factor: pregnancies promote dilation of the pelvic veins. That is why it often appears in women who have had several pregnancies.
Can it cause varicose veins in the legs or genital area?
Yes. Pelvic varicose veins can extend and cause atypical varicose veins in the upper thigh, buttocks or genital area, sometimes without typical calf varicose veins.
How is it treated?
The treatment of choice is embolization: a minimally invasive, outpatient technique in which the insufficient pelvic veins are closed through a small puncture.
