Authors' recommendations: Background Chronic pelvic pain is reported by up to one-third of women at some point in their lives and accounts for around 15% of outpatient gynecological visits. In approximately 30% of patients with chronic pelvic pain, the pain is associated with distended or varicose veins in the pelvis (specifically the ovarian and internal iliac veins), referred to as pelvic congestion syndrome. It is believed that swollen pelvic veins cause nerve irritation and the dull pain, which may be worse after prolonged standing or intercourse. Although the exact cause is unknown, weight gain, fluid retention, and hormonal changes during pregnancy might play a role. Diagnosis is difficult due to the number of conditions that cause similar symptoms, and definitive diagnosis may require ultrasound, computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and venography (x-rays following the injection of a dye into the affected veins). There is no consensus on the best treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome. Standard therapies include pain medications, hormonal therapy, and surgery including vein ligation or hysterectomy.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2011

URL for published report: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=12958

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2011 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc