If you’ve been living with ongoing pain in your lower belly or pelvis, you’re not alone — up to 27% of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain. For many, this pain feels like a heavy, aching pressure that won’t go away and might worsen after standing for long periods or at the end of a busy day.
This discomfort could be due to pelvic congestion syndrome or PCS, which accounts for about 30% of all chronic pelvic pain. The good news? A vascular surgeon may hold the key to your relief. We successfully treat many patients with PCS at Vascular Surgery Associates offices throughout Maryland and Delaware.
PCS develops when the veins in your pelvis become swollen and stretched out, just like varicose veins in the legs. The pelvic veins carry blood back to the heart, but blood begins pooling and flowing backward when the valves inside these veins stop working, which leads to pressure, swelling, and, unfortunately, pain.
PCS primarily affects women, especially those who have had multiple pregnancies. During pregnancy, your body makes extra blood to support your growing baby, and your veins stretch to handle the additional flow.
Sometimes, those veins don’t shrink back to normal afterward. Hormones like estrogen can also weaken vein walls over time, increasing the risk of PCS.
Pelvic congestion syndrome doesn’t feel the same for everyone, but here are some common signs:
PCS is sometimes tricky to diagnose because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Many people spend years seeing different specialists without clear answers. That’s where a vascular surgeon can step in.
At its core, PCS is a problem with veins, which is why vascular surgeons specializing in blood vessels are the right people to treat this condition.
Vascular surgeons understand the structure and function of veins throughout the body, including the pelvic area. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we are trained to spot signs of vein disease and use advanced imaging tools to see what’s happening inside your body. Tests like venous ultrasound, CT scans, or specialized vein studies help us confirm if PCS is the cause of your pain.
But we don’t stop at diagnosis. Vascular surgeons also offer treatments that go beyond medications and lifestyle changes. For PCS, we often recommend a minimally invasive procedure called ovarian vein embolization.
Embolization is a safe, effective treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome. During the procedure, we use a tiny catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to reach the affected veins. Once it’s in place, we insert small coils or special medical glue to block off the problem veins, which stops blood from pooling and relieves pressure.
Embolization usually doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Many people report a significant drop in their pain and discomfort within weeks.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we understand that pelvic pain is a burden, not just physically but emotionally, too. Many patients come to us feeling frustrated, exhausted, and uncertain about the future. We want you to know that you’re not alone and you’re not out of options.
When you visit, we complete a thorough diagnostic consultation. We listen carefully to your concerns, review your medical history, and order the correct tests to get to the root of the problem. If pelvic congestion syndrome is the cause, we create a treatment plan to suit your needs and lifestyle. Our goal is to help you find relief and return to living your life fully.
If you’re tired of living with unexplained pelvic pain, it might be time to see a vascular surgeon. Contact our team today by calling your nearest Vascular Surgery Associates office, or use the online inquiry form to get in touch.
