Complexities of Chronic Pelvic Pain and What Causes It
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
If you’re thinking chronic pelvic pain is a general condition that can have a myriad of causes, you’re right. This disabling, chronic, persistent pain within the pelvis affects approximately 1 in 7 women. It can be blamed on everything from urinary tract infections, depression and stress, and musculoskeletal problems to endometriosis and other feminine conditions. What you may not know is that an underlying vein or artery disease could also be the culprit.
We all have veins deep within our pelvic region. When they stop working correctly, they cause significant pain and disability. And yet, chronic pelvic pain resulting from this often goes untreated or misdiagnosed. Along with seeing your regular doctor, it is wise to schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist to find relief for your symptoms.
Are You Experiencing Any of These Chronic Pelvic Pain Symptoms?
- Severe and persistent pain in the pelvis, abdominal wall
- Lower back pain or pain in your buttocks
- A dull, aching feeling
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pressure and heaviness
- Sharp pains or cramping
- Bloating in your abdomen
- Painful bowel movements
- Increased pain after sitting for long stretches
When Is Pelvic Pain Considered Chronic?
Generally, chronic pelvic pain is any pain in the pelvis, anterior abdominal wall, lower back, or buttocks that lasts at least six months. Keep in mind that this persistent pain doesn’t have to be constant. It can come and go, or it can be constant. But how long you deal with that process matters. Adding to the frustration is that you can’t point to one localized spot for the pain. It is usually pain throughout the entire pelvic area and lower back. What we do know about chronic pelvic pain is that if you can identify and treat the underlying cause, you’ll have a better chance at relieving the symptoms quicker. If your chronic pelvic pain is because of a vein or artery issue, it is likely because of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.
What Is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, also known as pelvic varicose veins, is a condition in which patients begin to experience bulging blue or red veins and discomfort along the lower abdomen and pelvic region. This condition typically occurs when the veins in the pelvis don’t work the way they’re supposed to and allow blood to pool in the veins around the lower abdomen. This causes swelling, chronic pelvic pain, and other complications.
You may be surprised to hear that varicose veins can exist anywhere, not just on legs, feet, and arms. It’s also true that varicose veins don’t have to be visible. Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart, and they run throughout our entire body. This includes deep inside our pelvic area, in the lower abdomen, or around the genitals, thighs, and buttocks. In many cases, they are invisible to the naked eye but manifest themselves through painful symptoms like the ones mentioned earlier.
What Puts You at Risk?
Here’s why you may be at a higher risk for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and chronic pelvic pain:
- Hormones — The use of birth control pills, plus hormones like estrogen and progesterone, can cause varicose and spider veins to form. Estrogen is known to make veins wider and cause symptoms like the ones above.
- Age — As women age, their veins don’t work as well. Varicose veins commonly develop between the ages of 30 and 70. Many women of reproductive age are more susceptible to experiencing chronic pelvic pain.
- Genetics — Hereditary factors are a primary cause of any vein disease. So, if mom, dad, and grandma all have varicose veins or have experienced chronic pelvic pain, you are predisposed to getting them as well. Statistics show that roughly half of all varicose vein patients have a family history.
- Multiple pregnancies — While the exact cause of pelvic congestion syndrome is not yet known, most specialists attribute varicose veins to changes in the pelvis during pregnancy and childbirth. This is because veins in the pelvis enlarge during pregnancy to support the increased blood flow and can permanently stay that way.
What Treatments Are Available for Chronic Pelvic Pain?
The first step to treating chronic pelvic pain and underlying vein conditions is to have a vascular specialist perform a diagnostic ultrasound to determine the health of your veins. This is all done without any incisions, anesthesia, or scarring. Instead, this test uses ultrasound technology to get a full view of the circulatory system and its structures beneath the skin. The process only takes 45-60 minutes and can be used to diagnose a variety of vein diseases.
Your doctor may also suggest a venography, which uses x-ray technology to see if there are any issues present. If you do have a vein condition that is causing your chronic pelvic pain, your doctor may suggest the following:
- Ovarian Vein Embolization — This treatment process involves inserting a catheter into the leg and advancing it into the pelvic and ovarian veins under X-Ray guidance to close the affected veins. The procedure itself is not painful. Light sedation medications will be administered through an IV to prevent any discomfort. The treatment is often recommended to patients who are suffering from pelvic varicose veins or pelvic congestion syndrome.
- Gonadal Vein Embolization — This treatment is very similar to ovarian vein embolization. It treats pelvic varicose veins and pelvic congestion syndrome using a small catheter to close off affected veins for the long term. Once the veins are closed off, they no longer can fill with blood and cause discomfort. A sedative will be administered to you during the procedure.
- Other vein treatments — Procedures such as a phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, microfoam ablation, or radiofrequency ablation can also be called on to treat complications and discomfort due to chronic pelvic pain.
StrideCare Can Help with Chronic Pelvic Pain
While chronic pelvic pain can be due to a variety of other conditions that have nothing to do with vein disease, it is important to visit with a vascular specialist to determine if your veins are a factor. These and other conditions can get worse and lead to more complicated symptoms and procedures. StrideCare has long been a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat vein disease, and we are here to help you. The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board-certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology.
StrideCare specialists treat varicose veins, as well as spider vein treatment, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), restless leg syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome and more—all the while providing compassionate patient care. The experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results. Request an appointment for a vein disease evaluation to discuss your options.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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