What is pelvic congestion?
Pelvic congestion is a chronic pain in your abdomen that typically occurs in premenopausal women who’ve had multiple children.
When the veins in your abdomen become stretched, enlarged, and gnarled, they’re called varicose veins. These types of veins hold a large amount of blood, which causes the pain of pelvic congestion in your abdomen.
What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion?
While the number and severity of symptoms can differ for each person, the classic symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain in the lower abdomen for six months or longer
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Increased pain at the end of the day or from prolonged standing
- Pain extending into the thighs or buttocks
- Bladder irritability or urgency
How is PCS diagnosed?
Limited awareness of PCS has led to the underdiagnosis of the disease. While other causes of pelvic pain — such as endometriosis and fibroids — have become more mainstream, it’s possible that the reason for the pain could be PCS.
Thankfully, Dr. Nwobi has the expertise, tools, and treatments necessary to diagnose PCS and get you on the path to wellness.
Imaging is the most important tool in diagnosing PCS. Ultrasonography — and other types of imagery — help Dr. Nwobi take a closer look at the characteristics of the veins in your abdomen to see if they’re enlarged or twisted.
What is the treatment for pelvic congestion?
Dr. Nwobi first provides you with medication for pain relief before any intervention has begun.
If you receive a diagnosis of PCS, you have several treatment options to consider:
- Sclerotherapy: a sterile chemical is injected into the lining of your varicose vein, collapsing it and rerouting blood to healthier veins
- Embolization: a minimally invasive procedure using imaging guidance and a catheter to close off faulty veins
- Iliac venous stenting: a small stent, or tubular support, is placed in the vein to allow for improved blood flow
Each of these treatments can significantly improve your quality of life by taking away your pelvic pain and allowing you to enjoy your daily activities.
You can start your journey to pain-free living now by calling Dr. Nwobi or booking an appointment online to visit either of his two convenient locations.
