Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)

Here at the Vulvar Pain Clinic, our eminent world-class PCS Pain Doctors have, and continue to help countless women who have, or are experiencing, chronic pelvic pain and its associated lower back pain. Once an accurate diagnosis has been established, our Pain Specialists devise a comprehensive unique Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan for each and every patient. This is likely to include both conventional and cutting-edge treatments, therapies and injectables.

Pelvic congestion syndrome refers to a disorder which generates long-term pelvic pain. (The pelvic region describes the abdomen, which is the lower part of the belly). Pain Doctors and other medics believe that PCS could be down to issues with the veins in the pelvic area, (these veins transport blood back to the heart). Pelvic congestion syndrome comes about when the veins in the lower part of the belly are not working at optimum condition. When this occurs, the blood can begin to accumulate inside the veins. This scenario can cause the pelvic veins to change shape and enlarge (on a par with varicose veins). As a result, sufferers can experience pain and other pelvic congestion syndrome symptoms. Generally speaking, PCS primarily affects women of childbearing age. Moreover, it can be more prevalent if they have had more than one child.

Causes of PCS

  • Venous insufficiency
  • Hormonal influence (oestrogen dilates the veins. Furthermore, various other hormones can also cause the veins to become wider and generate symptoms).
  • Pregnancy (the veins enlarge in order to support the heightened blood flow at this time. This change can enlarge the veins permanently and result in symptoms)
  • Varicose veins

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Risk Factors

  • Multiple Pregnancies
  • Family History of Varicose Veins
  • Hormonal Factors
  • Sedentary Lifestyle

PCS Symptoms

  • Pain in the pelvis: the prime PSC symptom is: pelvic pain that has been prevalent for 6 months or more. In the majority of cases, sufferers normally start experiencing this pelvic pain during, or post-pregnancy. Moreover, the pain may become worse after a late pregnancy. The pain can feel: sharp, aching or heavy. Furthermore, in most instances, the pain only affects one side of the pelvis (normally the left side). However, that being said, sufferers may feel as though the pain is emanating from both sides of their pelvis. In addition, it is commonplace for the pain to become more intense as the day comes to an end
  • Varicose veins in the pelvic region
  • Pain in the lower back
  • Intensified pain during or post-intercourse
  • Bladder symptoms
  • Bowel symptoms

Specific actions can exacerbate the pain, these include:

  • Standing for extended periods of time
  • Walking
  • Altering your posture

Some individuals also experience symptoms such as:

  • Pain prior to menses
  • Urgency to pass water
  • Distorted and enlarged veins on the: thighs, vulva (external genitals), or buttocks

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Pelvic congestion syndrome is difficult to diagnose due to the fact that there are a number of potential causes. As part of our multi-disciplinary approach, in order to give you the best possible pain management, if necessary, after you have had an online or in-person consultation with one of our Pain Doctors, we may refer you to another specialist (such as a vascular specialist). The diagnostic tests which we carry out at the London Pain Clinic include: 

  • A pelvic ultrasound
  • A Doppler ultrasound
  • Venography

Treatments at the London Vulvar Pain Clinic

  • Specific medications to target pain relief
  • Nerve blocks and localised injections
  • Embolisation
  • Pelvic physiotherapy
  • Advice on dietary and lifestyle modifications