Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
It is estimated that one-third of all women will experience chronic pelvic pain in their lifetime. Many of these women are told the problem is "all in their head" but recent advancements now show the pain may be due to hard to detect varicose veins in the pelvis, known as pelvic congestion syndrome. (It is the female equivalent of a man's varicocele.)
Pelvic congestion syndrome is similar to varicose veins in the legs but in this condition a vein called the gonadal vein (see diagram) has weak defective valves resulting in blood pooling in varicose veins in the pelvis. These bulging veins can cause pain and affect the uterus, ovaries and vulva. Up to 15 percent of women, generally between the ages of 20 and 50, have varicose veins in the pelvis, although not all experience symptoms. The diagnosis is often missed because women lie down for a pelvic exam, relieving pressure from the ovarian veins, so that the veins no longer bulge with blood as they do while a woman is standing.
Symptoms
The chronic pain that is associated with this disease is usually dull and aching. The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and lower back.
The pain often increases during the following times:
- Following intercourse
- Menstrual periods
- When tired or when standing (worse at end of day)
- Pregnancy