Pelvic congestion syndrome, also known as pelvic venous disorder (PeVD), is a frequently underdiagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain in women. This GP information sheet has been developed to assist general practitioners in recognising the condition and referring patients appropriately for specialist vascular assessment and treatment.
The handout covers the typical clinical presentation of pelvic congestion syndrome, including chronic lower abdominal and pelvic pain exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting, dyspareunia, heavy menstrual bleeding and visible vulval or perineal varicosities. It outlines the investigations used to confirm the diagnosis, including pelvic venous duplex ultrasound and CT or MRI venography, and describes the minimally invasive treatment available at Perth Vascular Clinic: pelvic vein embolisation. This procedure is performed under local anaesthesia as a day procedure and offers excellent symptomatic relief in appropriately selected patients. Download this guide for your practice or contact Perth Vascular Clinic to discuss a referral.
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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
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS or PeVD) is a condition caused by abnormally dilated veins within the pelvis that fail to drain blood efficiently. The resulting venous congestion causes chronic pelvic pain, which is typically worse with standing, at the end of the day, and with intercourse.