Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

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Mr Mark Whiteley
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by Mr Mark Whiteley on Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:22 pm

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is often talked about - but not often diagnosed!!

It is due to large varicose veins in the pelvis that cannot be seen on the outside. Men have the same thing - but as their testicles are on the outside, the veins can be seen in the scrotum as "varicoceles". When these are seen, they get treated.

As women have their ovaries on the inside, the large veins or "ovarian varicoceles" cannot be seen and so are often ignored by doctors.

The weight of the blood in these veins in the pelvis cause an aching or dragging feeling in the pelvis, as the heavy blood filled veins rest on the pelvic floor when standing. They can push against the vagina, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse, against the bowel causing irritable bowel and against the bladder casuing an irritable bladder.

The easiest way to test for pelvic congestions syndrome is a transvaginal duplex ultrasound performed by a specialst unit. Many doctors order MRI or CT scans, but these will only see big veins in some - and not the reversal of blood flow in the veins that causes the problem in most. As such they are not the best tests. Laparoscopy can tell if there are other problems, but is unnecessary if a simple specialist ultrasound can give you the same answer without surgery.

Once found, the cure is to put coils into the veins under x-ray control to completely close them permanently. This is a local anaesthetic procedure and so no surgery should ever be needed.

Unfortunately many doctors do not recognise nor look for pelvic congestion syndrome and many come to light only when the patient insists on being tested for it.
Mr Mark Whiteley
Consultant Vascular Surgeon

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... iteley.php

Rebecca82
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Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2013 12:26 pm
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by Rebecca82 on Sat Mar 09, 2013 12:38 pm

Re: Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Dear Mr Whiteley

I gave birth three months ago and have experienced pain in my upper groin area. Could this be pelvic veins or would I have other symptoms? How long after birth do you recommend waiting before having the ultrasound scan and any treatment needed?

Thank you

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Mr Mark Whiteley
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by Mr Mark Whiteley on Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:00 am

Re: Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Dear Rebecca,
Pain after childbirth in one area in the upper groin is more likely to be a hernia or muscle strain.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is usually a more "general" ache in the pelvis. If you can put one finger on the area of pain, it is more likely to be related to the muscle wall.
See your GP for referral to a hernia surgeon if it doesn't settle down.
With kind regards
Mark
Mr Mark Whiteley
Consultant Vascular Surgeon

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... iteley.php

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