Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, PCS – Definition, Symptom, and Treatment
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), also known as pelvic vein incompetence or pelvic vein reflux, is a medical condition in women caused due to varicose veins in the abdomen and pelvis. According to some national studies, nearly one-third of women in the USA are diagnosed of PCS. In this article, we will discuss everything about PCS – from its definition, causes to different treatment options. What is PCS? Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is basically caused due to dilatation of the ovarian or pelvic veins. PCS is a common cause of pelvic pain in women (under the age of 45) who have got pregnant more than two times. During pregnancy, the ovarian and pelvic veins enlarge in order to facilitate blood flow to the uterus. And sometimes these veins fail to restore their actual size after delivery, and the valves inside them become weak, thereby causing blood to flow backwards and pool in the vein. This condition causes bulging, pressure, congestion and discomfort. The condition is rare in women who have never been pregnant. However, women with hormonal dysfunction, varicose veins in their vulva and polycystic ovaries are considered to be at high risk. Common symptoms of PCS? Many a time, symptoms do not become apparent until a woman experiences pregnancy. The major symptom is pelvic pain that worsens as the days go on. The pain fades away after good hours of rest. A patient may experience pain during or following intercourse, around menstrual periods and after activities like bicycling or horseback riding. Some symptoms of PCS • Tiredness • Lethargy • Depression • Abdominal bloating or tenderness in the abdominal area • An irritable bladder or bowel • An unusual “pain” in the pelvis – mainly during menstruation – that worsens when standing
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and betters when you rest Abnormal menstrual bleeding or painful periods Chronic dull ache in the abdomen or back ache Visible varicose veins in the vulva, legs and/or buttocks Unusual vaginal discharge Swelling in the vagina or the vulva
Do you experience any of the symptoms mentioned? If yes, visit a vascular disease center in California to know whether you are at risk. What are the risk factors? A woman is considered to at high risk of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome if she has any of the following conditions. • Two or more pregnancies with vaginal delivery • Varicose veins in the legs • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome • A tipped uterus • Obesity What are the different treatment options? Embolization is one of the best treatment options for PCS. It a minimally invasive catheter procedure carried out to ‘plug’ the varicose vein. Consult a reputed vascular surgeons in California to understand what all is involved in this process.