CLINICAL CONDITIONS

Pelvic congestion: effective treatments

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is an often-overlooked condition that can cause chronic pelvic pain in women. Do you feel heaviness in your pelvic area, vulva, or rectal region? If you've been trying to understand what's happening to you, know this: you're not alone, and relief is possible.

What is pelvic congestion?

How to know if you are suffering from pelvic congestion?

PCS typically presents as a dull pelvic or vulvar pain, which can become sharp or stabbing. This pain — or the sensation of intense pressure — usually intensifies by the end of the day, after long periods of standing or sitting, and eases when lying down. Sexual intercourse can also worsen the pain. Other symptoms may include lower back pain, heaviness in the legs, and, in some cases, abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Resources to learn more:

Cleveland Clinic

What are the symptoms of pelvic varicosities?

Pelvic varices or varicosities, often associated with PCS, are dilated, tortuous veins in the pelvic region. They can cause chronic pelvic pain, a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen, pain during or after intercourse, as well as lower back or leg pain.

What are the symptoms of vulvar varicosities?

In some women, pelvic varices extend into the vulva and groin. They can appear as swelling in the affected area, sometimes accompanied by a bluish or purplish discoloration.

How can I relieve pelvic congestion?

  • Several approaches can help relieve the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS):
  • Venous embolization: a minimally invasive procedure in which an interventional radiologist blocks the dilated pelvic veins using embolic agents, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
  • Compression garments: Compression tights or stockings help support venous return from the legs. Devices designed specifically for the pelvic and vulvar region, such as the Pelvinity compression panty, can help relieve heaviness by applying compression directly to the pelvic region. This vulvo-pelvic support device offers adjustable support to the vulva and perineum, helping reduce the heaviness and pain associated with pelvic varices.
  • Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce pain. Hormonal treatments may also be considered to help reduce venous congestion.
  • These approaches vary in suitability depending on individual circumstances. Talk to your doctor or a specialist to determine the best treatment plan for you.
    •

    Natural solutions for pelvic congestion

    The sensation of uterine congestion may be related to pelvic congestion syndrome.  In addition to consulting your doctor about treatment options, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help:

    Yoga:

    Stretching exercises promote blood circulation and can reduce venous congestion. Naturopath Claire Onillon discusses this in her ebook dedicated to PCS.

    Compression garments

    Medical devices such as the Pelvinity panty can provide effective support and reduce symptoms of pelvic congestion.

    Avoid prolonged sitting or standing

    Alternating between sitting and standing, and elevating the legs when possible, can help reduce venous pressure in the pelvic area.

    If you experience persistent pain in the lower abdomen, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Pelvic congestion syndrome is a real condition, and solutions exist to improve your quality of life.

    Pelvinity: an introduction

    Pelvinity is a French innovation designed to relieve vulvar and pelvic heaviness. Thanks to its patented design, it offers adjustable, targeted support to the vulva and perineum.

    It can be worn directly over underwear, or over leggings or compression tights, depending on your preference. Made in France, Pelvinity is available in a range of sizes to fit a variety of body types.

    Real symptom relief with Pelvinity

    Made in France

    We are proudly designed and sustainably manufactured in France.

    Fast delivery

    Delivery in 3 to 5 days for mainland France, either to your home or to a pickup point. Shipping to other countries may vary.

    Secure payment

    Your card payments are encrypted and secure.