Ongoing pelvic pain in both men and women can be caused by a number of conditions. One such disorder—pelvic congestion syndrome—generally arises in individuals between 20 and 45 years of age. Symptoms include pain in the pelvis, abdomen, groin or genital area. Typically, the pain is severe and experienced as “dull” rather than “sharp.” Pelvic congestion syndrome patients may also experience fatigue, rectal pain, an urge to urinate, lumbosacral neuropathy, and/or depression.
A common cause of pelvic congestion syndrome are varicosities in the pelvic region. These are varicose veins—much the same as those often found in the legs. Because varicosities are inefficient in returning blood, the blood pools in the pelvic vein, causing an increase in pressure, which, in turn, results in pain and a throbbing sensation which can irritate the nerve in the pelvis.
In men, surgical procedures including varicocelectomy, varicoceles of the scrotum, prostatitis syndrome, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can also be causes of pelvic congestion syndrome. Patients with this condition should seek effective treatment quickly. It’s estimated that pelvic congestion syndrome is responsible for one-half of all cases of infertility in men.
Pregnant women are also at increased risk for the condition, since vein capacity in varicosities increase significantly during pregnancy. Other risk factors for women include ovarian varicosities.
In both men and women, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of developing pelvic congestion syndrome.
If you are suffering from pelvic congestion syndrome, we can help! Contact Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy at (212) 362-3022 to learn how our expert physical therapists can provide relief from this painful and debilitating condition.
