Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that affects women, and it occurs at different times under various conditions. It occurs due to health challenges in the pelvic area. The pain, swelling, twisted, lengthened, and damaged veins are the primary reasons people seek treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome in Round Rock. Delayed treatment can worsen the pain and other symptoms over time. Read below for more detailed information about pelvic congestion syndrome.

Causes of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome 

Healthcare specialists associate pregnancy with pelvic congestion syndrome, and it is thought as the primary cause of PCS. Even though some women may have veins with no PCS symptoms, some experience enlarged veins during pregnancy, which leads to PCS symptoms. The veins can remain permanently enlarged, causing blood to back up, and the veins get congested and painful, making the veins non-functional.

Another cause of PCS is hormonal imbalances, which widens the veins, resulting in PCS symptoms. The last cause of PCS occurs when a woman’s body produces fluids and additional weight to support the unborn child, and these cause the veins to swell. Those who are at risk of PCS are most women who have had a pregnancy before, and the risk increases more with each successive pregnancy. 

Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome 

Women with pelvic congestion syndrome experience chronic, aching, sharp, or dull pain, although it worsens under some situations and can last for more than six months.

The pain occurs either during pregnancy or after delivery and usually affects the left side. In some cases it could appear on both sides. It worsens over time and could lead to other issues.

To ease the pain, you need to avoid changing body posture, walking, prolonged standing, and sex during and after birth. Other common symptoms include:

  • Tiredness
  • Depression 
  • Backache
  • Pain during menstruation
  • Excessive bleeding when menstruating

You can also experience abnormal virginal discharge and swollen veins around your buttocks and legs. If you are not sure of the symptoms, it would be best to seek medical help from your doctor to establish the issue and possible treatment. Remember, the symptoms vary from one person to another.

Diagnosis of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome 

Pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosis is not an easy task because it occurs due to multiple reasons, and the doctor will need to do several tests to establish the possible cause.

You will need to open up to your doctor and explain a history of your symptoms as the doctor physically examines your body. The doctor can also do various procedures, including MRI scan, ultrasound, CT scan, and laparoscopy.

The specialist might start the diagnosis with ultrasound before other procedures because it helps detect varicosities and blood flow. Other tests include urine tests, blood tests, and X-rays. 

Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor

PCS can affect your quality of life. That is why it is crucial to see your doctor immediately when you notice any of the above signs. If you are already experiencing changes in your body during or after pregnancy, contact Hamilton Vascular immediately.