Which Pelvic Varicose Veins Treatment Is Best?
If you are one of many people suffering from pelvic varicose veins, you may wonder which treatment is best for you. There are several pelvic varicose vein treatments. Each treatment has pros and cons, so deciding which is right for you can be challenging.
This blog post will explore the treatments available for pelvic varicose veins and help you decide which is the best option.
What Are Pelvic Varicose Veins?
PCS is comparable to leg varicose veins. Both occur when vein valves fail and cease to function correctly, enabling blood to flow backward and pool in the vein, creating pressure and bulging veins.
Many women develop pelvic varicose veins during pregnancy when the added weight of the fetus can put extra pressure on the veins in the pelvis.
The condition can also be caused by other factors, such as polycystic ovaries, hormonal dysfunction, or having a family history of varicose veins.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptom is a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the pelvic area. Other symptoms may include pain during intercourse, pain when standing for long periods, and pelvic bloating.
Pelvic varicose veins can worsen over time, so you must see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms. You can control the condition and alleviate the symptoms with early diagnosis and treatment.
How Is It Diagnosed?
There are several ways to diagnose pelvic varicose veins. These ways include
- The extensive questionnaire we perfected over seven years.
- Non-invasive ultrasound
- IVUS scan to confirm findings
The Extensive Questionnaire We Perfected Over Seven Years.
If you think you might have pelvic varicose veins, there's a specific questionnaire you can take to help make a diagnosis. This questionnaire is designed to ask about the symptoms you're experiencing and identify any risk factors you may have.
While it's not a perfect tool, it's been shown to diagnose this condition accurately. To take the questionnaire, answer the questions honestly and as accurately as possible.
Once you're done, they will calculate your score and give you a preliminary diagnosis. If the results are inconclusive, your doctor may order additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Non-invasive Ultrasound
The best way to diagnose pelvic varicose veins is with non-invasive ultrasound. This type of ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body.
It is safe and comfortable for the patient. An ultrasound can help to identify the presence of varicose veins as well as their size and location.
IVUS Scan to Confirm Findings
An IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) scan is a type of ultrasound that doctors use to look at blood vessels. They also use it to look at veins. The physician inserts a needle into the vein. A small device is then attached to the needle to navigate the veins.
Bypassing the device through the veins, one can see the structure of the veins in real time. It is an invasive procedure.
The physician navigates the device to the site of the varicose veins and can visualize the structure and appearance of the veins. Unfortunately, an IVUS scan is not used to treat varicose veins, only to confirm their findings.
How Is It Treated?
The best pelvic varicose veins treatment is early detection and intervention when they first appear. Doctors don't recommend treating varicose veins with creams or ointments because they do not work.
Instead, the doctor will use a Venogram with venoplasty and a possible venous stent placed for your treatment.
Venogram With Venoplasty and a Possible Venous Stent Placed
Doctors use Venograms to diagnose varicose veins, assess their severity, observe blood flow through the veins and evaluate their response to treatment. It is a test that uses a special dye to visualize the veins. A catheter is introduced through the skin of the groin and into the veins of the pelvic area, abdomen, and legs. They inject a special dye into the veins, which travels to the heart and back to the veins. When it travels back to the veins, it is visible to the radiologist, who can see the presence and structure of the varicose veins.
The radiologist can also place a small wire inside the varicose vein to perform a venoplasty to open up the veins and improve blood flow. A venous stent may be placed inside the vein to open it up and increase blood flow permanently.
If you suffer from pelvic varicose veins, a venogram with venoplasty may be an effective treatment option.
Vein Embolization vs. Stent Placement
Pelvic varicose veins treatment has evolved over the years from a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping to a minimally invasive technique called pelvic vein embolization (PVE). They do the procedure under Sedation or local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
Stenting is a safe and effective alternative to more invasive pelvic vein surgery with a low risk of complications. To clarify, superficial varicose veins cannot be stented. However, these varicose veins may be caused by obstructions in the deep veins. Stenting and restoring blood flow through these deep veins may reduce the presence of pelvic varicosities. There are two types of pelvic vein stents: self-expanding and balloon-expandable stents. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Self-expanding stents are made of a metal mesh that open when removed from their sheaths. They are easier to insert but can be more challenging to remove if they cause complications.
Balloon-expandable stents are made of a metal mesh that is rolled up on a balloon that is inflated once the stent is in place. The type of pelvic vein stent best for you will depend on your situation.
Conclusion
Pelvic varicose veins are a relatively common condition, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. Getting diagnosed and starting treatment immediately is essential if you suspect you may have them.
The good news is that most cases of pelvic varicose veins can be treated successfully with little or no downtime. As we've seen, venogram and venoplasty are the best pelvic varicose veins treatment. So don't wait – if you think you might have pelvic varicose veins or need Pelvic Congestion Syndrome treatment, talk to your doctor today.