Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of PCSWhat Causes PCS?Diagnosing PCSPCS TreatmentPCS Prognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms of PCS
What Causes PCS?
Diagnosing PCS
PCS Treatment
PCS Prognosis
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition that causes pelvic or abdominal pain in women. It tends to occur in younger women who have not undergonemenopauseor have previously given birth.
The slow movement of blood through poorly functioning pelvicveinsis what causes pain.A quick diagnosis leads to prompt and effective treatment.
This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome.
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What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
The primary symptom of PCS is pain. Thepaincan occur on one side of the pelvis or both sides. It is generally a dull, achy pain but can vary from person to person.
The pain can feel worse:
Pregnancy can also cause pain to worsen.
The symptoms tend to get better after lying down. Less commonly, the pain can occur suddenly in the lower back, hips, legs, or abdomen.
PCS and Pregnancy
What Causes Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
The cause of PCS is pelvicvenous insufficiency. This is when the veins around or near the ovaries do not function properly, causing the blood to move slowly and sometimes backward.
Slow pelvic blood flow can happen because the veins are too wide (dilated) or because the valves within the veins are not working as they should. The slow-flowing blood pools in the veins, causing pain.
What causes the veins to work improperly is not entirely understood. It may relate to the following:
Risk Factors
There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk of pelvic congestion syndrome. They are:
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will ask health history questions and perform a physical exam.
Making a firm PCS diagnosis will require special imaging:
How Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treated?
There are many treatment options for pelvic congestion syndrome. When a healthcare provider has diagnosed someone, the treatment options can include:
What Is the Prognosis for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome can be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. But when a person receives the proper diagnosis, the condition is treatable. In one study, the pain was completely or partially alleviated in 68% to 100% of the participants.
Can You Die From Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?PCS is not considered a life-threatening condition.
Can You Die From Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
PCS is not considered a life-threatening condition.
Summary
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition in which veins in the pelvis do not function correctly. The blood moves slowly through the veins, causing blood to pool. This results in pelvic pain. This condition is typically diagnosed with ultrasound. Treatment varies and can include medication or venous embolization.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bałabuszek K, Toborek M, Pietura R.Comprehensive overview of the venous disorder known as pelvic congestion syndrome.Ann Med. 54(1):22-36. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.2014556Stanford Medicine.Pelvic congestion syndrome.Stanford Medicine Health Care.Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).Meissner MH, Gibson K.Clinical outcome after treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: sense and nonsense.Phlebology. 2015;30(1 Suppl):73-80. doi:10.1177/0268355514568067
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bałabuszek K, Toborek M, Pietura R.Comprehensive overview of the venous disorder known as pelvic congestion syndrome.Ann Med. 54(1):22-36. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.2014556Stanford Medicine.Pelvic congestion syndrome.Stanford Medicine Health Care.Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).Meissner MH, Gibson K.Clinical outcome after treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: sense and nonsense.Phlebology. 2015;30(1 Suppl):73-80. doi:10.1177/0268355514568067
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bałabuszek K, Toborek M, Pietura R.Comprehensive overview of the venous disorder known as pelvic congestion syndrome.Ann Med. 54(1):22-36. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.2014556Stanford Medicine.Pelvic congestion syndrome.Stanford Medicine Health Care.Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).Meissner MH, Gibson K.Clinical outcome after treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: sense and nonsense.Phlebology. 2015;30(1 Suppl):73-80. doi:10.1177/0268355514568067
Bałabuszek K, Toborek M, Pietura R.Comprehensive overview of the venous disorder known as pelvic congestion syndrome.Ann Med. 54(1):22-36. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.2014556
Stanford Medicine.Pelvic congestion syndrome.
Stanford Medicine Health Care.Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).
Meissner MH, Gibson K.Clinical outcome after treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: sense and nonsense.Phlebology. 2015;30(1 Suppl):73-80. doi:10.1177/0268355514568067
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