What Causes Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is caused by the veins not draining blood out of the pelvis well enough.

There are three veins that drain the pelvis: the ovarian veins, the internal iliac veins, and the inferior mesenteric vein.

The most common vein associated with pelvic congestion syndrome is the left ovarian vein.
The left ovarian vein drains into the left renal vein instead of directly into the vena cava, as the right ovarian vein does.

Because of this relationship, the left ovarian vein relies on the left kidney moving properly in order for it to function properly. Because of this more complicated drainage pattern, the left ovarian vein is the #1 cause of pelvic congestion syndrome.

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Congestions Syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome and endometriosis can present similarly.

Both can be worse around the time of your period and with sex.

But pelvic congestion syndrome will be more related to positioning.

You will have more pain with sitting (causing stagnancy in the venous system) or prolonged standing (challenging the venous return).

If you notice varicose veins in your pelvis, vulva, or legs this could tip you off that you might have pelvic congestion syndrome.

How is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Diagnosed?

Pelvic congestive syndrome is diagnosed with imaging.

Ultrasound, MRI, or CT are used first, and if further imaging is needed, pelvic venography and laproscopic surgery are additional follow up options.

What is the Natural Treatment for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Treatment with Dr. Peterson includes using supplements to help the blood move well in the veins so you don’t clot. She also uses herbs to help strengthen and rehabilitate the veins and valves.

Dr. Peterson will check to be sure all the upward drainage pathways for blood and lymph are clear.

She will check to be sure the organs are moving properly and not obstructing flow.

Sometimes the kidney or colon and fascia can impair movement in the ovarian vein.

Sometimes the uterus can impair movement of the internal iliac veins.

Sometimes the GI, fascia, and liver can impair drainage of the inferior mesenteric vein.

When everything is set up, Dr. Peterson will drain the veins of the pelvis through the belly first.

After that, we will move on to intra-pelvic care and drain the pelvis by addressing any congestion in the pelvic bowl itself.

It is important to move between structures as we pull fluid out of the tissue and back into the channels.

This is a reiterative process.

Dr. Peterson will train you to find the veins so you can continue working on draining at home.

How Much Treatment Will I need for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

You will need about 20 hours of manual therapy for pelvic congestion syndrome.

You will also need about 1 hour of dietary/lifestyle consultation and 1 hour of exercise /self-care instruction

At home care:

You will need to do castor oil packs 2 hours daily, 4 days weekly

You will also need to drain your own veins most days, or at least when symptomatic. Dr. Peterson will should you how.

You will also need to support your venous system with herbal support long term.

Dr. Caroline Peterson recommends intensive treatment sessions of 2 hours several times a week.

She is in Portland for 2 weeks every 4-8 weeks, so it is good to try to get 4-10 hours of care each time she is in town.