Pelvic Congestive Syndrome (PCS)
What is Pelvic Congestive Syndrome?
Pelvic Congestive Syndrome is a chronic condition that occurs in women when varicose veins form within the pelvic region. Varicose veins are veins that become swollen, twisted, and elongated as a result of faulty vein valves. Normally, the valves in your veins work in “one way” direction as blood flows toward your heart. When these valves are damaged or don’t work well, blood can also flow backward. This blood pooling may lead to pain in the pelvic region.
What are symptoms of Pelvic Congestive Syndrome?
- Pelvic pain that worsens throughout the day
- Pelvic pain during menstruation
- Swollen vulva
- Low back pain
- Vaginal discharge or bleeding
What are the risk factors of Pelvic Congestive Syndrome?
There are not many risk factors that make pelvic congestive syndrome more likely. The most common is a history of past pregnancies, particularly if you have had multiple pregnancies.
Other risk factors include:
- Age (childbearing years are at a higher risk)
- Hormone fluctuation
- Polycystic ovaries
- A family history of PCS
- A retroverted uterus