The Vascular Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain — defined as pain below the navel and between the hips that lasts six months or longer — affects a significant portion of the population. While there are many possible causes, vascular factors are frequently overlooked despite being responsible for a meaningful proportion of cases.
Pelvic Venous Disorders as a Cause
One of the most common vascular contributors to chronic pelvic pain is pelvic venous disorder (PeVD). When the veins in the pelvis become dilated and fail to drain blood properly, the resulting pressure and congestion can cause persistent, debilitating pain. This is particularly common in women but can also affect men.
Other Contributing Factors
Chronic pelvic pain can also result from a combination of conditions, including endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and musculoskeletal problems. In many cases, a vascular component co-exists alongside these conditions, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
At Perth Vascular Clinic, Mr Marek Garbowski takes a thorough approach to assessing patients with chronic pelvic pain, using specialist imaging to identify vascular abnormalities and develop a targeted treatment plan. Early and accurate diagnosis can make a significant difference to long-term outcomes and quality of life.
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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
Chronic pelvic pain in women has multiple potential causes, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder conditions, and pelvic venous disorders. Pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PeVD), caused by incompetent pelvic veins, is a vascular cause that is often overlooked and underdiagnosed.