Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
What are the symptoms?
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Pelvic pain (for at least 6 months), heaviness, aching or a dragging/throbbing sensation on one or both sides of the pelvis and lower abdomen
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Pain that worsens before and during menstruation – the veins are affected by the menstrual cycle/ hormones
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Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, walking and with exercise and improved by lying down
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Pain during and particularly after sexual intercourse
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Heaviness and aching in the legs
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Lower back discomfort
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Bladder ‘irritability’ and urinary urgency
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Bowel ‘irritability’ and bloating similar to irritable bowel syndrome; haemorrhoids
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Leg and vulval varicose veins which manifest during or after pregnancy and worsen with subsequent pregnancies
Affected women may only have some and not all of these symptoms. Interestingly, PCS may also contribute to infertility.
Symptoms of PCS can mimic and coexist with other gynaecological conditions.
