Definition of Pelvic congestion syndrome

Pelvic congestion syndrome: A condition in which there is congestion of blood in dilated veins of the pelvis. The ovarian vein and internal iliac veins are commonly affected, and the congestion may lead to chronic pelvic pain in women. The pain is usually dull, varies in severity, and is not related to the menstrual cycle. It is most common in premenopausal women.

The cause of the dilated veins (varicose veins) is poorly understood. Pelvic congestion syndrome is thought to arise as a combination of both mechanical stresses and hormonal changes, including pregnancy related changes. Ultrasound and other imaging tests may be used to establish the diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome.

REFERENCE: U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Pelvic congestion syndrome: chronic pelvic pain caused by ovarian and internal iliac varices.

Last Editorial Review: 6/2/2011 7:19:57 PM

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