Скачать или смотреть Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Information and Treatment Options

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a chronic pain condition caused by enlarged varicose veins in the pelvic region, similar to varicose veins in the legs. It primarily affects women of childbearing age and accounts for a significant portion of chronic pelvic pain cases. 
✓ Symptoms

The primary symptom of PCS is a persistent dull, aching pain in the pelvis that lasts for at least six months. This pain is often exacerbated by certain activities and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as: 

Worsening pain: The pain typically worsens with prolonged standing or sitting, after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), before and during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), and at the end of the day.

Varicose veins: Visible varicose veins may appear on the vulva, buttocks, inner thighs, or vagina.

Tenderness: A physical exam may reveal tenderness in the abdomen or over the ovaries.

Other associated symptoms: These can include back pain, irritable bowel and bladder symptoms, and fatigue. 

✓ Causes and risk factors

The precise cause of PCS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial. Key factors include: 

Faulty vein valves: In healthy veins, one-way valves push blood toward the heart. In PCS, these valves fail, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the pelvic veins.

Pregnancy: The pelvic veins expand to handle increased blood flow during pregnancy. For some women, this can lead to permanent damage and dilated veins after childbirth. The risk increases with each subsequent pregnancy.

Hormones: Estrogen can weaken vein walls. This is why PCS is most common during the reproductive years and why symptoms often improve after menopause.

Anatomical factors: Rare conditions can cause vein compression, which blocks blood flow and can lead to PCS. These include Nutcracker syndrome, where a vein in the abdomen is compressed, and May-Thurner syndrome, where an iliac vein is compressed.

Genetics: A family history of varicose veins may increase your risk.