Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatments

Nonsurgical Ovarian Vein Embolizations in Katy

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Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic congestion syndrome or PCS is a medical condition that causes chronic pelvic pain in women of childbearing age. PCS can result from venous reflux or obstruction of the ovarian or pelvic veins. Risk factors include having multiple pregnancies or a positive family history of PCS. Hormones may also play a role in PCS, as estrogen makes veins wider or dilated.

PCS may go undiagnosed because physicians are often unfamiliar with it or fail to look for it. When other diagnoses are excluded, PCS is found in up to 30% of women with chronic pelvic pain.1 Women with PCS have pelvic pain that lasts at least 6 months and often first notice it after a pregnancy. The pain is typically one-sided but can affect both sides. Standing for prolonged periods, walking, or having sex may make the pain worse. Lying down usually improves the pain. Treatment options for PCS include hormonal medications to block ovarian function. If these do not relieve symptoms, ovarian vein embolization or more invasive surgical options are available to either tie off the culprit veins or to remove the uterus and ovaries.

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Ovarian vein embolization

Ovarian vein embolization is the most effective and least invasive treatment option for patients with PCS who have not responded to medication.2 Approximately 80% of women experience symptomatic improvement after ovarian vein embolization.3-4 During the ovarian vein embolization procedure, a small IV catheter is placed either in the neck or groin vein. X-rays will then be used to guide the catheter into the abnormal ovarian or pelvic vein. The vein is then closed off with small metallic coils and a special liquid agent. Afterward, the IV catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the vein entry site. This minimally invasive procedure is performed at our outpatient facility with same day patient discharge.

References:

  1. O’Brien MT and Gillespie DL. Diagnosis and treatment of the pelvic congestion syndrome. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2015; 3(1):96.
  2. Chung MH and Huh CY. Comparison of treatments for pelvic congestion syndrome. Tohoku J Exp Med 2003; 201(3):131-138.
  3. Kwon SH, Oh JH, Ko KR, et al. Transcatheter ovarian vein embolization using coils for the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2007; 30:655-661.
  4. Kim HS, Malhotra AD, Rowe PC, et al. Embolotherapy for pelvic congestion syndrome: long-term results. J Vasc Intervent Radiol 2006; 17:289-297.

Find Your Way to Better Health

At Texas IR in Katy, we’re committed to offering personalized, non-surgical treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) for Houston area patients that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. Our Katy office provides compassionate care with minimally invasive ovarian vein embolizations for patients across Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, and other nearby communities. Whether you’re seeking fast recovery with our non-surgical embolization treatments or looking for personalized care in a comfortable, outpatient setting, we’re here to make the process easy. Schedule your consultation today and experience care tailored to your needs.