Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Specialist

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome services offered in Sarasota, FL

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a frequent cause of pelvic pain in women. However, many physicians are unfamiliar with pelvic congestion syndrome. If you have ongoing pelvic pain that seems not to have a clear cause, the team of board-certified vascular surgeons at Sarasota Vascular Specialists can help. To learn more, call the office in Sarasota, Florida, or schedule a consultation online today.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Q & A

What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome causes chronic pelvic pain in women. The pain condition is thought to develop because of problems with the veins in the lower abdomen.

Your veins contain valves. These valves open and close, pushing blood back to your heart and lungs. Damage or weakened valves allow blood to flow backward and pool.

The buildup of blood in the veins in your pelvic area causes these veins to swell and change shape, similar to varicose veins. This blood buildup causes the pain associated with pelvic congestion syndrome.

Pregnancy and hormones can play a role in the development of pelvic congestion syndrome. During pregnancy, blood volume doubles, and veins enlarge. Estrogen can also cause veins to enlarge.

What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?

Pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months is the most common symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome. The pain usually starts during or after pregnancy and can be achy or sharp.

Walking, standing for long periods, and changing positions can cause the pain to get worse.

How is pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed?

Pelvic pain is a frequently seen problem in women. There are many causes. You’ll probably undergo several exams and tests to rule out other causes before anyone suggests that you’re suffering from pelvic congestion syndrome.

The Sarasota Vascular Specialists team works to diagnose and treat all vascular disorders, including pelvic congestion syndrome. When you come in with chronic pelvic pain, they review your medical history and complete a physical exam.

They perform a vascular ultrasound and pelvic venography (X-ray of your pelvic veins) to diagnose pelvic congestion syndrome.

How is pelvic congestion syndrome treated?

How pelvic congestion syndrome is treated will depend on your symptoms. To ease the pain, your provider could prescribe gonadotropin-releasing hormone medications or progestin medications.

The Sarasota Vascular Specialists team might also recommend a vein treatment like sclerotherapy or embolization to ease your symptoms. These vascular procedures destroy damaged veins, preventing the buildup of blood that causes the pain.

Once the damaged veins are destroyed, your body reroutes blood through healthy veins.

To determine the cause of your chronic pelvic pain, call Sarasota Vascular Specialists or book an appointment online today.