Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI):
Understanding and Treating Your Pain | San Jose

Welcome to Our Comprehensive Guide on Pelvic Venous Insufficiency

Pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI), formerly known as pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), is a condition where veins in the pelvis do not function properly, leading to pain and other symptoms. This condition can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective treatments are available.

Ready to Find Relief?

Contact us today (408) 918-0405 to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help you manage and treat pelvic venous insufficiency. 

Symptoms of Pelvic Venous Insufficiency

Do you experience chronic pelvic pain, especially after standing or sitting for long periods? You may also encounter:

• Pain during or after intercourse
• Lower back pain
• Swollen vulva
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Varicose veins in the thighs, buttocks, or vaginal area
• Menstrual cycle abnormalities
• Fatigue and leg swelling

Causes and Risk Factors

PVI often results from:

• Ovarian vein reflux
• Internal iliac vein reflux
• May-Thurner syndrome (compression of the left iliac vein)
• Nutcracker syndrome (compression of the left renal vein)

Risk factors include multiple pregnancies, hormonal changes, and a family history of venous disorders.

Diagnosis of PVI

• Accurate diagnosis is crucial and involves:
• A thorough physical examination (noting that symptoms may be less apparent when lying down)
• Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan
• Venography for detailed vein imaging

Treatment Options

We offer a range of treatments for PVI:

• Conservative Treatments: Lifestyle changes and pain management
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Embolization (blocking affected veins)
• Surgical Options: Vein ligation or stripping

Some patients may need a combination of treatments for optimal results.

Common Misdiagnoses and Related Conditions

PVI is often mistaken for:

• Hernias
• Uterine prolapse
• Endometriosis

Related conditions include:

• Varicose veins in the legs
• Chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Infertility issues in men (related to varicoceles)

Impact on Quality of Life

Chronic pain and discomfort from PVI can limit your daily activities and affect your emotional well-being. Addressing these symptoms through effective treatment can restore your quality of life.

By providing clear, detailed information, we aim to educate and guide you toward the appropriate care for pelvic venous insufficiency. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward relieving your pain and improving your quality of life.

Benefits of MISS

• Safe, with high standards of care
• No incision, minimal pain, and no scarring
• No general anesthesia required
• Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge
• Fast recovery, typically around two hours
• Cost-effective

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