Pelvic Congestion Syndrome in Seomyeon, Busan

What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) occurs when veins in the pelvis, particularly the ovarian veins, have failing valves and become dilated, similar to varicose veins in the legs. Blood pools in the pelvis, which can cause a heavy, aching pain. It is more common in women of reproductive age who have had multiple pregnancies, as pregnancy enlarges pelvic veins. Some vein compression syndromes, such as narrowing of the left renal vein or left iliac vein, can contribute.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Chronic pelvic pain lasting more than six months, often one-sided or shifting
Pain worse after standing for long periods, at the end of the day or during pregnancy
Pain during or after intercourse
Varicose veins on the vulva, buttocks or inner upper thighs
Urinary urgency or lower back ache

Chronic pelvic pain has many causes, including endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, infection and bowel or bladder conditions. A gynecology evaluation is an important first step. Sudden severe pelvic pain, fever or heavy bleeding needs urgent care.

What happens at the clinic

History: pain pattern, pregnancies, menstrual cycle and associated symptoms.
Gynecological assessment: to exclude other pelvic conditions.
Doppler ultrasound: transvaginal or abdominal scanning of pelvic veins, sometimes with standing or straining.
Cross-sectional imaging: CT or MR venography to map veins and check for compression.
Venography and embolization: if indicated, performed in a hospital interventional suite.

Treatment outlook

Some women manage symptoms with pain relief and lifestyle adjustments. Hormonal medicines that reduce ovarian function are sometimes used. For confirmed pelvic venous reflux, embolization, which blocks faulty veins using coils or sclerosant through a catheter, improves symptoms for many patients. Leg varicose veins fed from the pelvis may need combined treatment.

Risks and considerations

Diagnosis can be challenging because pelvic veins can look enlarged without symptoms
Embolization risks include coil migration, vein irritation and post-procedure pain
Hormonal treatments have side effects and are not long-term solutions for everyone
Pain may persist if other causes coexist

Choosing a clinic for pelvic congestion syndrome in Seomyeon

Start with a gynecologist to exclude other causes, then see a vascular specialist.
Ask whether pelvic vein Doppler is performed and by whom.
Ask which hospital performs pelvic venography and embolization.
If you have recurrent leg varicose veins, ask whether pelvic sources were checked.
Ask for a coordinated plan between gynecology and vascular teams.

Coordinated care

Seomyeon has both gynecology and vein clinics close together near the station, which simplifies coordinated assessment.

Condition: chronic pelvic venous insufficiency, mostly in women who have had children
Symptoms: dull pelvic ache worse with standing, after intercourse or before periods; vulvar or upper-thigh varicose veins
Diagnosis: exclusion of gynecological causes; transvaginal Doppler, CT or MR venography, venography
Treatment: pain relief, hormonal therapy in some cases, ovarian or internal iliac vein embolization
Procedure setting: embolization is performed by interventional radiology or vascular teams
Related: leg varicose veins that recur after treatment may arise from pelvic veins
Typical NHI coverage: diagnostic workup generally covered when medically indicated

What does pelvic congestion syndrome feel like?

Typically a dull, heavy ache in the lower abdomen or pelvis, often worse after standing, at the end of the day, before periods or after intercourse. Some women also notice varicose veins on the vulva or thighs.

How is pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed?

Other gynecological causes are excluded first. Then pelvic Doppler ultrasound and CT or MR venography assess the veins. Catheter venography may confirm reflux and guide treatment.

What is pelvic vein embolization?

A minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is passed into faulty pelvic veins and coils or sclerosant are used to close them. It is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation in a hospital.

Can pelvic veins cause leg varicose veins?

Yes. Refluxing pelvic veins can feed varicose veins in the vulva, buttocks and thighs. If leg varicose veins return after treatment, pelvic sources may need evaluation.

Does pelvic congestion syndrome go away after menopause?

Symptoms often improve after menopause as hormonal influences decrease, but this is not guaranteed. Treatment decisions depend on symptom severity and age.

Seomyeon.Clinic