Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment Specialist in Houston, TX

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain, most often caused by varicose veins within the pelvis. These veins become enlarged and dilated, leading to poor blood flow and increased pressure in the pelvic region. PCS most commonly affects women—especially those who have had multiple pregnancies—but it can occur in others as well.

Understanding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

PCS is usually caused by varicose veins around the ovaries and uterus. During pregnancy, increased blood volume and hormonal changes can weaken the vein walls, making them prone to stretching. When the valves inside these veins become dysfunctional, blood pools and causes congestion and pain. Other contributing factors include hormonal influences (particularly high estrogen levels), anatomical variations, and sometimes vein compression by other pelvic structures.

Typical symptoms include a dull, aching pelvic pain that worsens after standing for a long time, during or after intercourse, or before menstruation.

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, we use advanced imaging technologies—including ultrasound, MRI, and venography—to visualize pelvic veins and confirm the diagnosis of PCS. Our interventional radiologists are highly trained in identifying the subtle signs of this condition that may be missed in standard evaluations.

Women experiencing PCS often report a dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. This pain typically worsens after prolonged standing, during or after sexual intercourse, or toward the end of the day. Additional symptoms may include:

• A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
• Pain during menstruation
• Lower back pain
• Visible varicose veins on the buttocks, thighs, or vulva
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• General pelvic discomfort that can disrupt daily activities and quality of life

Symptoms can range in severity and may vary from person to person.

How Alate Health Can Help

At Alate Health, our interventional radiologists are experts in diagnosing PCS with advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and pelvic venography. We offer minimally invasive treatments, including ovarian vein embolization, which can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life—often with minimal downtime.

At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS). Our expert interventional radiologists use a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis and to tailor the most effective treatment plan for your needs.

Comprehensive Evaluation

The diagnostic process begins with a detailed review of your medical history and a discussion of your symptoms. Our physicians also inquire about your obstetric history and any previous pelvic surgeries to gain a full understanding of your unique situation.

Expert Physical Examination

During your visit, our physicians perform a thorough physical examination, checking for tenderness in the lower abdomen or pelvis and looking for visible or palpable varicose veins in the vulvar or thigh area. While these findings can raise suspicion for PCS, further imaging is essential for a definitive diagnosis.

Advanced Imaging Capabilities

Alate Health is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology to accurately identify pelvic vein abnormalities:

• Pelvic Ultrasound with Doppler: Often the first imaging step, this non-invasive test can detect enlarged pelvic veins or varicosities, especially when performed with color Doppler to assess blood flow patterns.
• Pelvic MRI: If ultrasound findings are inconclusive, we may recommend a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. MRI provides detailed images of the pelvic blood vessels and can identify varicose veins around the uterus and ovaries without exposing you to radiation.
• Pelvic Venography: As a leading interventional radiology clinic, Alate Health offers pelvic venography—the gold standard for diagnosing PCS. This test is typically reserved for cases where other imaging studies have not provided a definitive diagnosis.

Our interventional radiology specialists are highly experienced in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome. By correlating clinical symptoms with advanced imaging findings, we ensure an accurate diagnosis—helping to distinguish PCS from other potential causes of chronic pelvic pain and guiding you toward the most appropriate, effective treatment options.

The relationship between PCS and fertility is not completely understood, but current research suggests that PCS alone does not directly cause infertility. Many women diagnosed with PCS are able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. At Alate Health, we are committed to providing up-to-date, evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood volume can intensify PCS symptoms, making pelvic discomfort more noticeable. The growing uterus may also put extra pressure on pelvic veins, leading to more pronounced congestion and pain. Despite these changes, PCS has not been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, or other pregnancy complications.

If you have PCS and are considering pregnancy, or are already pregnant, our interventional radiology specialists at Alate Health can help. We work closely with your OB/GYN and other providers to monitor your symptoms and ensure your health and comfort throughout your pregnancy journey. 

Every patient’s experience with PCS is unique. If you have concerns about pelvic pain, fertility, or pregnancy, the team at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic is here to help. We offer compassionate, expert care and the latest in minimally invasive treatments to manage PCS and improve your quality of life. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1213 Hermann Dr Suite 255, Houston, TX 77004. We serve patients from Houston TX, Bellaire TX, Jacinto City TX, Spring Valley Village TX, Stafford TX, Bunker Hill Village TX, and surrounding cities.