Potential Causes of Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Your veins carry blood back to the heart. When the veins in the lower abdomen stop working as they should, you may experience a build-up of blood that causes varicose vein-like changes in your pelvic region. The veins become enlarged and change shape, resulting in pain – a condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome.

What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?

If you’ve had pelvic pain that’s persisted for at least six months, you may have pelvic congestion syndrome.

You’ll also feel:

• Pelvic pain that’s heavy and aching or sharp, usually on the left side
• More pain when you change posture
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Standing or walking for long periods of time
• Pain during your period

You may notice enlarged, distorted veins on your lower abdomen or genitalia.

How is pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed?

Pelvic congestion syndrome can be hard to diagnose, but UCLA- and Johns Hopkins-trained radiologist Dr. Golshan is skilled in identifying the condition. He’ll evaluate your symptoms and health history.

He’ll also run several different diagnostic tests that may include:

• Blood tests
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Venogram (x-ray guided imaging of the pelvic veins using contrast material)