Pelvic Varicose Veins FAQs

Pelvic varicose veins are enlarged veins in the pelvis caused by faulty valves. Blood flows backwards and pools, stretching the veins.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is the term used when pelvic varicose veins cause ongoing symptoms, especially chronic pelvic pain.

Symptoms include dull pelvic pain, heaviness, pain after standing, pain during or after sex and worsening symptoms before periods. Some patients also notice veins around the vulva or upper thighs.

It most commonly affects women aged 20-50, especially those who have had children. Hormones, genetics and pregnancy can weaken vein walls.

Diagnosis is made with imaging such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scans. Venography (where a dye is injected into the veins and analysed on X-ray). It is the most accurate test and is sometimes done at the same time as treatment.

They are not usually dangerous but they can significantly affect quality of life due to chronic pain.

The most effective treatment is pelvic vein embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the faulty veins.

A catheter is inserted through a vein in the wrist or groin and coils or medical glue are used to seal the abnormal veins so blood is redirected into healthy veins.

It is usually done under local anaesthetic with mild sedation. Most patients experience minimal discomfort.

Recovery is typically quick, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days.

Around 70-90% of patients experience significant improvement in symptoms after embolisation.

Treated veins do not reopen but new veins can occasionally develop and some patients may need further treatment.

Pain relief and hormonal treatments may help symptoms but do not fix the underlying vein problem.

If you have ongoing pelvic pain lasting more than 6 months, especially if worse with standing or affecting daily life, you should seek medical advice.