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Treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain: Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Do you have chronic pelvic pain syndrome, a pelvic pain diagnosis, or have heard the term "pelvic congestion syndrome”? If so, our interventional radiology specialists may be able to help you with a specialized pelvic pain treatment. Our physicians are experts at chronic pelvic pain diagnosis, evaluation of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and pelvic pain treatment. Many women have chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which may be related to a problem called pelvic congestion syndrome or pelvic venous varcies. This chronic pelvic pain syndrome and pelvic pain diagnosis is caused by enlarged varicose veins in the pelvis that cause many symptoms including pelvic pain, pelvic fullness and pain with intercourse (dyspareunia). Many women with this pelvic pain diagnosis are told there is no available pelvic pain treatment, or that there is nothing really wrong with them. However, many women who have chronic pelvic pain syndrome may actually have an easily treatable condition, and can undergo pelvic pain treatment without surgery. The pelvic pain diagnosis is related to enlarged, dilated veins in the pelvis that have lost valve function and have become dysfunctional (very similar to varicose veins in the legs). Pelvic pain related to this condition is usually described as an achy, pressure-type of pain that gets worse after standing or at the end of the day. Patients also describe painful intercourse (dyspareunia). The abnormal veins and chronic pelvic pain syndrome associated with them can usually be treated by our doctors on an outpatient basis with light sedation and minimal discomfort and recovery time. The pelvic pain treatment procedure is called pelvic vein or pelvic variceal embolization, and is safe and effective. The uterus and ovaries are preserved. Patient Testimonial: "I had terrible pelvic pain, especially after standing for long periods of time. It really limited my ability to work and exercise. The only way I could get relief was to lie down or elevate my legs. I was told repeatedly that there was nothing that could be done, except possibly a hysterectomy, which would be high-risk and might not work. I then read about a procedure called pevic vein embolization. I asked for a referral to an Interventional Radiologist, and immediately was able to see one of the SDI physicians. He ordered an MRI, which showed enlarged veins in my pelvis (pelvic vein varices). Based on the MRI and my symptoms, he said I was a candidate for the procedure. The procedure was easy. I didn't feel much at all during the procedure, and went home the next morning. I was back to normal in a few days, and completely pain-free in a week. Five years later, I have no pain and have my uterus and ovaries intact." --DS |