Pelvic Venous Disorder

WHAT IS Pelvic Venous Disorder?

Pelvic Venous Disorder is a condition characterized by the abnormal pooling of venous blood around a woman’s uterus. It’s a lot like having varicose veins in the legs only the abnormal blood flow occurs in veins within the pelvis, most commonly the ovarian veins where the blood flow is going the wrong direction, causing this blood to pool around the uterus. Unfortunately, it’s a condition that is very difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms of Pelvic Venous Disorder are similar to other conditions.

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Symptoms of Pelvic Venous Disorders (PeVD)

Pelvic Venous Disorders, previously often referred to as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, can cause a variety of symptoms resulting from abnormal blood flow or increased pressure within the veins of the pelvis. Symptoms may vary depending on which veins are affected.

Common symptoms include:

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Chronic Pelvic Pain

A persistent, dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis that may last for months or longer.

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Pelvic Heaviness or Pressure

A feeling of fullness, heaviness, or pressure in the pelvis, particularly toward the end of the day.

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Pain That Worsens with Standing

Pelvic discomfort that becomes more noticeable after prolonged standing or physical activity and often improves when lying down.

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Pain During or After Intercourse

Discomfort during sexual intercourse or a prolonged, dull pelvic ache afterward.

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Varicose Veins in Unusual Locations

Enlarged or painful veins involving the vulva, buttocks, groin, or upper inner thighs.

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Lower Back Pain

Persistent aching in the lower back or sacral region that may accompany pelvic discomfort.

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Urinary Frequency or Urgency

An increased need to urinate or a sensation of bladder pressure, sometimes associated with pelvic venous abnormalities.

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Painful Menstrual Periods

Pelvic pain that may become more pronounced before or during menstruation.

When Should You Seek Evaluation?

If you experience persistent pelvic pain, pressure, or heaviness—particularly symptoms that worsen with standing or occur after intercourse—a Pelvic Venous Disorder may be contributing to your discomfort.

At New England Endovascular Center, our interventional radiology specialists evaluate pelvic venous conditions and offer minimally invasive treatment options tailored to the underlying venous abnormality.

Contact us if you are struggling with any of these symptoms and schedule an appointment.

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Understanding Pelvic Venous Disorders: An Educational Video

You may have heard the term Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) used to describe chronic pelvic pain caused by abnormal blood flow in the veins of the pelvis.

As our understanding of these conditions has evolved, the medical community has adopted the broader term Pelvic Venous Disorders (PeVD). More specifically, when abnormal pelvic venous circulation causes chronic pelvic pain, the preferred terminology is now Venous Origin Chronic Pelvic Pain (VO-CPP).

In the educational video below, Dr. Kahn uses the previously established term Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Although the terminology has changed, the video remains a valuable resource for understanding the symptoms, underlying causes, and minimally invasive treatment options available at New England Endovascular Center.