Are Pelvic Varicose Veins a Warning Sign of a Vascular Condition?

People are naturally vigilant about warning signs regarding their health. These concerns include the body’s blood flow and circulation. But what are the warning signs of vascular conditions?

If you notice any changes from your body's normal state, such as swelling, a rash, or bluish-colored veins, mention it to your doctor. All of these could be related to circulation issues. You should not ignore any symptoms, no matter how small. 

Keep reading to discover the warning signs of pelvic varicose veins and vascular conditions.

What Systems Are Affected by Vascular Conditions like Varicose Veins?

The human body comprises various systems, each with a specific role of vital importance. If there is any malfunction or disease among one of the body systems, the human body will not function at its total capacity.

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is where vascular conditions originate. Varicose veins are one of these conditions or “bulging veins”.

The circulatory system consists of the heart and different blood vessels like arteries, veins, and capillaries. Veins are tiny hollow tubes that transport blood toward the heart using valves.

Varicose veins are vascular conditions that often affect the lower extremities like the legs or feet. When the valves in the veins don’t work properly blood can pool in the affected region causing major pain. Pelvic varicose veins is one sign that the patient is suffering from Pelvic Venous Insufficiency or Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. 

What Are Pelvic Varicose Veins?

Pelvic venous insufficiency or pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) often affects the pelvic region, abdomen, and thighs. 

Improper drainage of blood in the veins causes this condition when the vein dilates causing veins to bulge. This improper drainage causes the blood to pool and build up pressure due to a malfunctioning valve. 

PCS is commonly found in women who have had multiple pregnancies or women who are obese. Though it is not as common, men can also suffer from pelvic varicose veins. 

Symptoms of pelvic pain of vascular origin may include:

• Pelvic pain (chronic pelvic pain is often associated with pelvic varicose veins)
• Swelling of the thighs, legs, ankles, or feet
• Tenderness of the abdomen and pelvis
• Painful menstruation
• Abdominal and pelvic cramping or aching
• A feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the pelvis
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvis during or after sexual intercourse
• Varicose veins on vulva, labia, thigh, or buttocks
• Increased urinary frequency

Symptoms can worsen when sitting for a long time, standing for long periods, during pregnancy, and during or after sexual intercourse. 

However, a treatment option called venogram along with embolization can relieve pain from these symptoms and increase your quality of life. It is minimally invasive with minimal scarring, no open surgeries, and no hospital stays. The patient can usually go back to work the next day. 

What Is a Vascular Condition?

Vascular conditions are vascular diseases that affect veins, arteries, and other body parts. 

Vascular diseases impact the blood flow and circulation of oxygen throughout the body. 

From spider veins to varicose veins to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to aortic aneurysms, if left untreated, any condition could worsen and potentially lead to death. 

Identifying Vascular Conditions

The best way to identify any vascular condition or disease is to make an appointment with your doctor. 

After discussing your symptoms, a detailed examination, and possibly additional imaging, your doctor will be able to inform you about your situation thoroughly. 

Since there are many different types of vascular diseases, symptoms can vary. 

Preventing Vascular Disease

Different risks are associated with vascular diseases, such as family history, age. Yet, there are some things that you can do to prevent vascular disease.

• Healthy and balanced diet. Obesity is a risk factor of venous insufficiency. 
• Exercise regularly
• Lower stress

Are Pelvic Varicose Veins a Warning Sign of a Vascular Condition?

There is no direct answer to this question because each person will present their condition slightly differently. 

Suppose you dismiss the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome or pelvic varicose veins. In that case, there is a big chance of worsening symptoms, even with pain management, such as elevating your lower extremities and wearing compression stockings. 

So, it depends. If your symptoms of PCS are worsening, pain happens during long periods of sitting or standing, and it has been going on for 6 moths, then don’t hesitate to visit a vascular doctor.

It is more beneficial to treat pelvic varicose veins than to leave them untreated or only manage symptoms. Often, varicose veins progress towards worsening symptoms such as skin damage, swollen ankles, leg ulcers, and venous bleeds. 

Treatment vs. Symptom Management

Those experiencing pelvic varicose veins can attest to its painful symptoms. A variety of things can temporarily manage those symptoms:

• Medications to relieve pain and swelling
• Adjusting your diet like opting for a low salt diet or avoiding all salt
• Make sure you move around frequently to avoid sitting for long extended periods
• Adding exercise to your weekly routine
• Wearing compression socks to reduce swelling and help with blood flow

After speaking with your doctor, other methods may relieve pain and swelling. 

Conservative management of symptoms of pelvic venous insufficiency only provides short-term relief. 

Treatment is available to give patients complete relief of pelvic varicose veins. In the past, treatment options were invasive, like a hysterectomy. Now, we have minimally-invasive procedures that leave no scarring, no open surgery, and no hospital stays are required. 

With an 80% success rate of pain reduction (from partial to complete), medical professionals perform a venogram procedure and insert a venous stent, the physician can also do an embolization of the vein when necessary. The procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia.

When to See Your a Vascular Doctor

There are many potential causes of pelvic pressure in women. If your pelvic pressure has persisted for six months or more and you have had a gynecological evaluation to rule out a UTI, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or other gynecological causes, consider seeing a vascular doctor as the problem may be vascular in origin.

When all gynecological conditions have been ruled out and there are no signs of fractures or musculoskeletal conditions, you are still experiencing extreme groin pain, and it has gone for 6 months or longer, then a vascular evaluation would be a great next step. The Center for Vascular Medicine highly recommends a gynecological evaluation but it is not a requirement when seeking vascular care for patients. This evaluation will eliminate many causes of pelvic varicose veins. 

Final Thoughts

Pelvic varicose veins are common for patients that have a family history of chronic venous insufficiency and multiple pregnancies. In order to be diagnosed the visible veins must be accompanied by pelvic pressure or pelvic pain. This pain or discomfort must be life-limiting or debilitating to receive treatment. 

Men and women suffering from pelvic varicose veins don’t have to continue living in pain. Speak with a vascular doctor about treatment to provide complete relief by visiting the request for a consultation page. We treat all patients across the United States.