Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Heart Vascular and Leg Center

Vascular Specialists & Cardiologists located in Bakersfield, CA

Have you been experiencing pelvic pain for six or more months? Are your doctors unable to find the source of your pain? You may have pelvic congestion syndrome. Board-certified cardiologist Vinod Kumar MD, FACC, and the experienced team of cardiologists and vascular care experts at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield, California, specialize in diagnosing and treating vascular conditions like pelvic congestion syndrome. For compassionate and comprehensive care from an experienced team, contact the office by phone or book an evaluation online today.

661-443-5524

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Q & A

What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome causes chronic pelvic pain. Doctors theorize the pelvic pain develops from dilation of the veins in the pelvic area, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

Pelvic congestion syndrome most often affects women of childbearing age, especially after pregnancy.

What are pelvic congestion syndrome symptoms?

Pelvic pain that lasts six or more months is the most common symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome. Your pain may be dull and achy or sharp and severe and localized to one side, usually the left.

You may notice that certain activities worsen your pain, such as walking, sexual intercourse, or changing your body’s position. You may also see enlarged veins on your buttocks, external genitals, or upper thighs, with pelvic congestion syndrome.

How is pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed?

Pelvic pain is a common condition that can develop from many causes, which makes pelvic congestion syndrome challenging to diagnose.

The experts at Heart Vascular and Leg Center conduct comprehensive evaluations using the most advanced tools and technology to help you get the answers you need.

During your evaluation, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, and the types of medications you take, and then performs a physical exam.

To assess vascular health, the team at Heart Vascular and Leg Center performs various diagnostic tests, such as:

Vascular ultrasound
Pelvic venography (X-ray that evaluates blood flow through your veins)
Blood tests
Urine tests

The team uses the information gathered during the exam to confirm or rule out pelvic congestion syndrome.

How is pelvic congestion syndrome treated?

The team at Heart Vascular and Leg Center develops individualized treatment plans for pelvic congestion syndrome based on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history.

Initially, your provider may recommend a medical approach to alleviate your pain, including various hormonal medications.

However, if conservative methods fail to alleviate your pelvic pain, the team at Heart Vascular and Leg Center may suggest a minimally invasive procedure, such as:

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, which causes the vein to collapse
Radiofrequency ablation to close off or dissolve the vein
Microphlebectomy to surgically remove the affected vein

Your specialist at Heart Vascular and Leg Center works closely with you to devise a treatment plan that helps you get the relief you need.

To learn more about pelvic congestion syndrome and how it may be the source of your chronic pelvic pain, call Heart Vascular and Leg Center, or schedule an appointment online today.