Veins linked to chronic pelvic pain among women

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Pelvic congestion from varicose veins may be the underlying cause of many women's problems with pelvic pain.
One third of women will suffer from pelvic pain at some stage during their lives. Often, the cause is varicose ovarian and pelvic veins which lead to congestion. The condition is not dissimilar to varicose veins found in the legs. Pelvic pain is dull and aching and may be associated with irritable bladder, abnormal menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharge.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical University report how a process called embolization can relieve pelvic pain. A catheter is inserted into the affected vein, with x-ray guidance. Tiny coils and a sclerosing agent of the type used to treat varicose veins are then introduced. These seal off the vein so it can cause no further problems. After treatment, the patient can return to her normal activities. In a study of embolization in 131 women, there was a 62 per cent reduction in pain after treatment. Women need no longer put up with chronic pelvic pain - diagnosis and treatment can help resolve the problem.

Source
Society of Interventional Radiology meeting 4th April 2005

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.