gynecology and obstetrics
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Introduction
Pelvic congestion syndrome is chronic pain exacerbated by standing or sexual intercourse and associated with varicose veins in or near the ovaries. Pelvic congestion syndrome is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain. Varicose veins and venous insufficiency are common in the ovarian veins but are often asymptomatic. The reason some women develop symptoms is unknown. Most women with pelvic congestion syndrome are aged 20 to 45 years and multiparous. One theory is that ovarian venous engorgement leads to intimal stretching, with distortion of endothelium and smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, leading to release of vasoactive substances that cause inflammation and pain. 