Pelvic congestion syndrome most often develops in women expecting another child (in multiparous women). It is estimated that every tenth pregnant woman struggles with venous insufficiency in the pelvic area. One symptom that indicates pelvic varicose veins is persistent lower abdominal pain for several months. It should persuade you to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Pelvic congestion syndromedevelops similarly tovaricose veinsof the lower extremities. In both cases, the veins that carry blood towards the heart do not work properly. In the veins of the pelvis, the outflow of blood is blocked by the pressure of the enlarging uterus, which increases the pressure inside the internal iliac veins, leads to their widening, and further to the formation of varicose veins. In the case of pelvic varicose veins, they appear within the veins of the ovaries, uterus, the parasite, and also in the area of ​​intimate places.

Pelvic congestion - causes

Pelvic congestion most often develops in women expecting a baby and increases with the next pregnancy. The uterus then presses against the iliac veins, reducing the outflow of blood. Then there is a significant widening of the ovarian veins, of the parasympathetic, uterine and perineal veins, and further development in this area of ​​varicose veins.

The risk of developing pelvic varicose veins in non-pregnant women is small. However, if they develop a thrombosis of the iliac veins, or compression of the pelvic veins, caused e.g. by a cancerous tumor, or by the iliac artery or aorta (the so-called May-Turner syndrome), they may appear and are usually associated with varicose veins of the lower limbs and haemorrhoids. Pelvic congestion is also likely to occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and hormonal disorders.

Pelvic congestion - symptoms

Symptoms of the pelvic venous congestion syndrome are, first of all, frequent, dull pain in the lower abdomen, sacrum or perineum, which intensify especially over time:

  • menstruation (then the bleeding is much more intense than during previous periods)
  • standing
  • sexual intercourse (they often prevent them) or after themfinished
  • pregnancy

A feeling of heaviness in the perineum and pressure on the bladder are also characteristic ailments. Sexual coldness, anxiety and depression often appear, significantly worsening the quality of life.

In addition, in the area of ​​ vulva, perineum (so-called varicose veins of the intimate area ), as well as in the medial or medial-posterior part of the thighs and under the buttocks, varicose veins can be noticed, although they do not appear they occur in all patients.

Pelvic congestion - diagnosis

In the case of pelvic venous congestion, ultrasound is a preliminary examination and is usually not sufficient to make a complete diagnosis. Contrast tests are necessary - phlebotomography, magnetic resonance imaging with contrast and invasive venography.

Pelvic congestion syndrome - treatment

In the treatment of the pelvic venous congestion syndrome, embolization is used. It is a procedure that involves making a small incision in the skin, inserting a vascular port into the femoral vein, and then inserting an angiographic catheter into the diseased vein. Then, coils of a special wire (embolization coils) are inserted through the catheter, thanks to which the abnormal vessel is closed and the blood flows in a different, correct path. The entire procedure is performed under X-ray control. In a similar way, you can close abnormal vessels with, for example, occluders, as well as by chemical obliteration (sclerotherapy, intravascular glue). After the procedure, the patient remains in the hospital for one day.

According to an expertMariola Cieśla-Dul, MD, PhD, specialist in general and vascular surgery, Polish-American Heart Clinics

Pelvic varices - complications

Untreated pelvic varicose veins usually do not cause any particular local complications, but may enlarge, being a significant cosmetic defect, and rarely undergo thrombosis, life-threatening due to the risk of pulmonary embolism, as well as the development of post-thrombotic syndrome symptoms of the lower extremities. Rather, they do not prevent pregnancy, unless the woman avoids marriage because of the pain. However, they may be an indication for termination of pregnancy by caesarean section.

Category:

Female diseases