If you’ve been living with chronic pelvic pain for months—or even years—without clear answers, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) may be the cause.
PCS occurs when veins in the pelvis become enlarged and don’t function properly, similar to varicose veins in the legs. Blood pools in these veins, leading to pressure, heaviness, and ongoing discomfort .
Many women are told their symptoms are “normal” or unexplained. But chronic pelvic pain lasting longer than three months deserves proper evaluation.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is a venous condition. When valves inside the pelvic veins weaken, blood flows backward and pools instead of returning efficiently to the heart. Over time, this can cause:
PCS is often associated with multiple pregnancies, hormonal influences, family history of venous disease, or pelvic vein compression.
You may benefit from evaluation if you experience:
Symptoms often worsen at the end of the day due to gravity and venous pressure.
Diagnosis begins with listening carefully to your symptom history.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Review of pelvic pain and symptom duration
- Discussion of menstrual and pregnancy history
- Imaging ordered if needed (MRI, CT, or ultrasound)
Step 2: Imaging Review
- Review existing imaging if available
- Identify enlarged pelvic or ovarian veins
- Evaluate for deeper venous compression
Step 3: Venous Assessment
- Determine whether gonadal veins are dilated
- Assess iliac veins for compression or obstruction
- Consider IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) if deeper veins need evaluation
- Accurate diagnosis ensures treatment targets the true source of pain.
Well&You specializes in minimally invasive vein embolization for PCS, an option many women prefer because it avoids major surgery and preserves anatomy.
Gonadal Vein Embolization
This catheter-based procedure closes off problematic ovarian veins, reducing blood pooling and relieving symptoms.
The procedure involves:
- Inserting a small catheter through the neck or groin
- Using imaging guidance to reach the affected veins
- Placing tiny coils or solution to block abnormal blood flow
- Redirecting circulation through healthy veins
In some cases, iliac vein stenting may be considered if deeper vein compression is present.
Approach | Surgery Required | Hospital Stay | Recovery Time |
| Vein Embolization |  | | 1–2 days for light activity |
| Hysterectomy |  | | Weeks |
| Vein Stripping | | | Longer |
| Ignoring Symptoms | – | – | Symptoms may worsen |
Most patients return to light activity the next day and full activity within a week.
Pelvic vein embolization is often covered by insurance when medically necessary. Well&You works with most major insurance plans, including Medicare when applicable.
Our Patient Navigators help you:
You can learn more by visiting our Insurance & Coverage page.
You may benefit from evaluation if you:
Chronic pelvic pain is not something you have to accept.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome rarely resolves on its own. Without treatment, symptoms may:
The longer blood continues pooling in pelvic veins, the more strain is placed on surrounding tissues. Early intervention may prevent progression and restore comfort sooner.
Many patients report:
Follow-up typically includes:
If chronic pelvic pain is affecting your comfort, confidence, or quality of life, you don’t have to keep searching for answers alone. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is treatable—and minimally invasive options are available.
