Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that up to 15 percent of American women ages 20 to 50 suffer from. It is a chronic medical issue that creates pain in the pelvic area. This is caused by varicose veins that are not visible externally. Varicose veins are damaged veins in which the valves inside of the vein do not function properly. Blood then pools within the vein, causing swelling and pain.

Most women will notice pressure or a heavy feeling in their pelvis, and a dull aching pain in their lower back and abdomen. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time can trigger the pain and some women experience pain during/after intercourse and when having a bowel movement. The pain can increase during the menstrual cycle as well. This pain ranges from mild to severe.

Unfortunately, diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome can be overlooked since pelvic pain can be attributed to other conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids. It can be frustrating to a woman who remains undiagnosed since she must live with the chronic pain in her everyday life.

There are some common factors found in women who have pelvic congestion syndrome. Those being:

• Women who have had two or more pregnancies
• Those who are under 45 years of age
• Those who display fullness in the veins of their legs
• Women who have hormonal dysfunctions

There is hope, however, for those who are diagnosed by their doctor. By going to a specialist such as the doctors at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates, the patient can opt for embolization. This is a minimally invasive procedure that basically blocks off the varicose vein, making it useless to the cardiovascular system.

If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome, please reach out to a specialist who can help to relieve your pain. If you live in the Tampa, Florida area, please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form. Patient comfort and care are a priority here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. We look forward to talking with you.