Finding Relief from Pelvic Pain During or After Sex
The main sign of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is how long the pressure lasts, pain while intercourse, and after intercourse, and a high degree of discomfort during menstruation. Pain during or after sex is not the only symptom. Other symptoms include:
- Chronic pelvic pain/pressure for more than 6 months
- An unusual degree of discomfort with menstrual cycles
- Pelvic pain during and/or after sexual intercourse
- The feeling of fullness in the pelvic region, vaginal region, labia and/or perineal region
- Swelling in the vagina, labia and/or perineal region
- Varicose veins present in the upper thigh, vagina, labia, suprapubic and/or perineal region
- Frequency of urination
- Stress Incontinence
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome or PCS is a chronic pelvic pain syndrome that is most commonly diagnosed in women under 50 who have given birth to one or more children. It is estimated that one-third of all women are affected by chronic PCS. The syndrome is almost exclusively found in women who have multiple pregnancies and rarely diagnosed in women who have not had children.
Diagnosing Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
PCS is difficult to diagnose and requires highly trained and experienced specialists. Your OB GYNS may refer you to the Center for Vascular Medicine serving the greater Maryland and Virginia regions. Our specialized vascular physicians have treated hundreds of PCS afflicted women and work diligently to raise awareness for the Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. At Center for Vascular Medicine we have the combined expertise to diagnose and treat your PCS. Being aware of PCS symptoms can help you seek the help you need to relieve your pain.
Signs & Symptoms of PCS
- Chronic dull, throbbing and/or achy pain in the pelvic area
- Pain may worsen during or after sex and may worsen during menstruation
- PCS is often not symptomatic in the morning but becomes progressively more symptomatic throughout the day especially with prolonged standing or sitting.
- Varicose veins in the legs are often present in women with PCS. Pronounced veins may also be present around the vagina, in the upper thigh and along the buttocks
After a comprehensive medical exam and review of your medical history our team of specialty physicians will use a combination of Pelvic ultrasound, Laparoscopy, Venography and Intravascular ultrasound to determine if you are suffering from PCS.
Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain
Embolization therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is frequently used in the treatment of symptomatic Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Embolization Therapy collapses the affected veins restoring normal blood flow to non affected veins. There are two types of Embolization Therapy. Your Center for Vascular Medicine physician will determine which one is right for your individual vascular health.
- Medicine is injected into the affected vessel through a catheter collapsing the vein. Blood flow will be naturally rerouted to healthier veins.
- The second method uses a coil to restrict blood flow beyond the coil. By inserting a coil, through a catheter into the vessel the metal coil is then placed into position restricting the blood flow. Normal blood flow will be rerouted through healthy veins.
If you believe you may be suffering from Pelvic Congestion Syndrome contact your local Center for Vascular Medicine. Schedule a consultation today to find relief for your chronic vascular pain.