Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women is a complex condition characterized by persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting six months or longer. This pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. At VIR Chicago, we provide comprehensive, minimally invasive solutions to diagnose and manage chronic pelvic pain effectively.
Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain Chronic pelvic pain can stem from various causes, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis, fibroids, and pelvic congestion syndrome. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. Our specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the source of pain and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Chronic pelvic pain in women is a significant health problem. There are many causes including:
- Endometriosis
- Colitis
- Chronic cystitis
- Pelvic infection (PID)
- Past history of sexual abuse
Diagnostic Techniques
To diagnose chronic pelvic pain, VIR Chicago employs several state-of-the-art methods, including imaging studies like ultrasound and MRI, as well as diagnostic laparoscopy. These techniques help us to visualize the pelvic organs and identify abnormalities that may be causing pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment for chronic pelvic pain at VIR Chicago is individualized based on the underlying cause. Options include:
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): Used for treating fibroids, this procedure blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviating pain. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) Treatment: Embolization procedures to block varicose veins in the pelvis, reducing pain and swelling. Nerve Blocks and Ablations: Targeting specific nerves to alleviate pain. Medications: Including pain relievers, hormonal treatments, and antibiotics if an infection is present.
Key Points:
- Conditions treated: endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis, fibroids, PCS
- Techniques: UAE, PCS embolization, nerve blocks, advanced diagnostics
- Goals: diagnose accurately, alleviate pain, improve quality of life
- Expertise: advanced, minimally invasive procedures
Treatment: At VIR Chicago, we are dedicated to providing effective and personalized care for women suffering from chronic pelvic pain. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation and a tailored treatment plan to address their specific needs.
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a pelvic pain syndrome due to internal, usually invisible, varicose veins in the pelvis. They are fed abnormally high pressure by abnormal, enlarged ovarian veins.
A CT scan shows a tangle of dilated veins in the pelvis (Right) An ovarian venogram shows the veins crossing through the pelvis around the uterus.
The veins have been blocked with platinum coils and scleroscants, non-surgically. Patients may have chronic aching or burning pain, sometimes worse with menses, worse when active, better after sleep. They usually have a negative work up for other causes of pelvic pain. The syndrome is more common after having had multiple pregnancies. Patients are sometimes classified as being “nuts.”
These veins often are missed by laproscopy and ultrasound. We can sometimes see them on MRI and CT scan.
They can reliably be seen on a simple outpatient test called an ovarian venogram. A small catheter is slipped into a vein after numbing the skin and steered into the abnormal veins. This is not painful. Dye is injected to map them, then they are blocked (embolized) with platinum coils and sclerosing agents. This outpatient procedure may relieve the pain immediately.
We have performed this procedure for over 10 years. PCS is poorly understood by much of the medical community, and certainly is under-diagnosed. For more information contact us or call (630) 856-7460.
