An unknown disease that disrupts the lives of many women.
Pelvic congestion syndrome was described by a New York gynecologist in 1945. Women complain of intense pelvic pain (located in the lower abdomen) that is very debilitating, which can also extend to the lower back and legs.
*Pelvic congestion accounts for 30% of chronic pelvic pain.
What is pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)?
Pelvic congestion syndrome is characterized by an accumulation of blood in the veins of the pelvis. Indeed, instead of flowing back to the heart, the blood in these veins moves in the opposite direction and accumulates. The consequence of this reflux is that these veins become congested, dilate, and twist.
These mainly involve the genital veins: that is, those of the uterus, bladder, and ovaries, which are called pelvic varices, and they generally appear after a pregnancy.
Pelvic varices can also be caused by May-Thurner syndrome (compression of the iliac vein), Nutcracker syndrome (compression of the renal vein), but also due to hormonal factors such as high estrogen secretion.
What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome can be asymptomatic or lead to severe pelvic pain.
Symptoms can be extremely variable; the intensity of pain due to the inflammatory phenomenon of these varices varies according to their location.
- Around the ovaries, this will cause pain and heaviness, especially during menstruation or ovulation.
- Around the vaginal wall, this will cause pain during or after sexual intercourse.
- Around the bladder, this will cause pseudo-cystitis.
- Around the rectum, this will cause hemorrhoids and digestive pain.
Women sometimes have only one symptom, or sometimes all the symptoms. Associated with this, varicose veins in the lower limbs, vulvar varices, gluteal varices, or in the inner thigh root are often found.
Women complain of intense pelvic pain, very disabling, which can only be relieved when lying down.
The standing position, being an aggravating factor, makes the pain more intense and debilitating at the end of the day.
One must not overlook the psychological consequences: depression, fatigue, mood swings.
How to diagnose this PCS?
The problem of its detection lies in the fact that this pathology is at the intersection of several disciplines. The pain is gynecological in nature but is caused by varicose veins, which fall under the purview of other health professionals (angiologists or interventional radiologists).
In fact, the care pathway is often complicated. That said, this syndrome is easily identifiable via an MRI or a Doppler ultrasound of the legs, pelvis, and abdomen (standing and lying down), which allows for the analysis of venous flow. An angiogram can also be performed, allowing for venous mapping.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is starting to be better diagnosed.
Dr Quentin Sénéchal, interventional radiologist and the association congestionpelviennefrance actively advocate for this syndrome to become more familiar to women and the gynecological community, thus avoiding a diagnostic odyssey that can sometimes take up to eight years.
Indeed, a confusion with very common pathologies that lead to the same type of chronic pelvic pain with endometriosis, the pudendal nerve syndrome, or adenomyosis is possible. A second opinion may therefore be necessary.
How to treat pelvic congestion syndrome?
Currently, only endovascular treatment is possible and aims for the embolization with synthetic glue of the varices, which will no longer be supplied, leading to their destruction. If the treatment is performed correctly and thoroughly, the prognosis is generally effective.
The treatment of symptoms also relies on the use of anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) medications. However, thanks to embolization, these can be reduced by 80%.
What are the risk factors?
A number of factors can lead to pelvic congestion syndrome, such as family vein issues, multiple pregnancies, hormonal imbalances, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Unlike endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome does not complicate the ability to conceive.
Testimonials from women who suffer from pelvic congestion
Testimonial from Ines
“I ordered the Pelvinity panty because I suffer from pelvic congestion since my second childbirth. This condition causes severe pain in the pelvic area, especially during the cycle, as well as a heaviness that descends into the legs. From the first use of the panty, the feeling of heaviness and pain decreased. I was also pleasantly surprised to find its effectiveness on the discomfort I feel due to my prolapse. Pelvinity has become essential for me; I no longer dread going for long walks.”
June 17, 2024
Testimonial from Sarah
“During my third pregnancy, I was bothered by vulvar pain from the beginning of the second trimester. At first, it was mainly during my workdays when I was standing for 12 hours straight… I tried compression stockings and tights but it didn’t change anything. I was hesitant to talk about it with those around me given the location of my pain. Then I discovered the Pelvinity compression panty, I didn’t buy it right away… only to end up regretting it!!! It was a true relief (and on top of that, I no longer had pain in my pelvis) to the point that I couldn’t work without it. I wore it until the end of my pregnancy. I am very grateful to HeraPreg for working towards the well-being of pregnant women.”
October 9, 2024
Testimonial from Ludivine
“During the 3rd month of pregnancy, I developed a vulvar varix in the groin area. I tried level 2 compression tights, I even tried layering 2 pairs, nothing relieved me. To my great dismay, no other solution was offered to me. Thanks to Pelvinity, I was able to experience my pregnancy peacefully without suffering.
The panty is super comfortable, you get used to it very quickly and you don’t feel it. Well positioned, it supported my pelvic area and the pain disappeared. You feel relief from the very first time. »
February 11, 2024
Testimonial from Julie
“Because of my vulvar varices, I had difficulty walking, even over short distances; it was very painful.
By wearing the Pelvinity panty, the pain significantly decreased in the first few days and finally almost completely faded by the end of the pregnancy. No more heaviness thanks to the good support of the panty and especially no more burning sensation in the evening after a busy day! »
May 16, 2024
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.