Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) Embolization

A catheter is inserted into a vein, and tiny coils or sclerosants block enlarged pelvic veins causing pain. Procedure is 1–2 hours, outpatient.

Mild pelvic discomfort for 2–5 days. Normal activities within a few days; exercise resumed in 1–2 weeks.

Women with chronic pelvic pain worsened by standing, post-intercourse pain, or visible vulvar/thigh varicosities.

Minimally invasive, outpatient, effective relief in 70–85% of patients, avoids surgery.

Rare infection, non-target embolization, or vein irritation.

Open surgery or ligation of pelvic veins; IR avoids large incisions, reduces complications, and allows faster recovery.

Relief is often noticed within weeks, full benefit by 3–6 months.

Typically does not interfere, but discuss with your physician.