Pelvic congestion syndrome, also known as ovarian vein reflux, is the second leading cause of chronic pelvic pain in women, after endometriosis, and can potentially lead to significant disability resulting from the presence of varicose veins in the pelvis. Like varicose veins in the legs, pelvic congestion syndrome is related to malfunctioning valves within the pelvic veins. Valves in these pelvic veins normally allow blood to flow towards your heart. When the veins become weakened or the valves do not close properly, the blood can flow backward toward the pelvis. Blood in the weakened pelvic veins pools, causing the veins to bulge and push against nearby structures. This can result in pain and pressure in the uterus, ovaries, vulva and back. It is described as “non-cyclic” pain lasting greater than six months in duration. Diagnosis of the condition is done through one of several methods including; pelvic venography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound.
Chronic pelvic pain is very common in women and can potentially lead to significant disability. Approximately one out of every three women will suffer from pelvic pain at some point during their lifetime.