Pelvic Venous Disorders and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain affects many people, yet the underlying cause often goes undiagnosed for years. One significant — and frequently overlooked — cause is pelvic venous disorders (PeVD), a group of conditions involving dilated, malfunctioning veins within the pelvis.
What are Pelvic Venous Disorders?
Also known as pelvic varicose veins, PeVD occurs when the veins in the pelvic region become enlarged and fail to drain blood efficiently. Instead of flowing upward and out, blood flows backward and pools in the pelvis — a condition called venous reflux. This build-up of pressure leads to the characteristic symptoms of PeVD.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include a dull, aching pelvic pain that typically worsens throughout the day, particularly with prolonged standing, sitting, or physical activity. Many patients also experience heaviness and pressure in the lower abdomen, and symptoms often improve when lying down.
Treatment Options
Mr Marek Garbowski at Perth Vascular Clinic offers a range of minimally invasive treatments for PeVD, including ovarian vein embolisation — a procedure that blocks the faulty veins to relieve pressure and reduce pain. A thorough assessment using ultrasound and other imaging techniques helps guide the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
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Millions of Women suffer from Pelvic Pain
In some cases, this pain can be caused by Pelvic Venous Disorders (also known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome).
If you're in pain and can't seem to find any answers, read our guide and find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
This video provides an educational overview of chronic pelvic pain, with a focus on pelvic venous congestion syndrome as a vascular cause. It is suitable for patients experiencing unexplained pelvic pain and for healthcare professionals seeking to understand the vascular contribution to this condition.