Pelvic congestion syndrome is an ongoing condition that affects the pelvic area or the lower part of your belly. Experts think it’s caused by problems with veins in that part of the body. Pelvic congestion syndrome can be quite painful, lasting 6 months or more. It’s not connected to your period and can be hard to diagnose.

Causes

Researchers are still learning. But some think hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy may trigger the buildup of pressure in veins around the ovaries. Estrogen, a reproductive hormone that women make more of during pregnancy, can weaken the veins in the area and cause them to widen.

Symptoms

The pain can last for several months and affect your day-to-day life. It’s usually only on one side. Symptoms include:

•  A dull, aching pain in your pelvic area and lower back
•  Pain that gets worse during your period
•  Irritable or stressed bladder that makes it hard to control your pee
•  Discomfort or pain during sex (dyspareunia)
•  Bulging or engorged veins in front of the vagina
•  Varicose veins on your upper thighs or butt
•  It might also be painful to stand for long periods of time.

Who’s at Risk?

It mostly happens to women of childbearing age between 20 and 45. It’s more common if you have more than one child.

• Having a “tipped” or retroverted uterus
• Full leg veins
• Polycystic ovaries
• Hormonal problems

Diagnosis

Many things can trigger pelvic pain, which can make it hard for your doctor to know if it’s pelvic congestion syndrome or something else. If you have severe pelvic pain, your doctor will run several tests to rule out certain causes before they can confirm PCS.