Pelvic Pain Causes Beyond Endometriosis

Pelvic pain is exhausting. You’ve lived with it for months—maybe years. You’ve seen specialists, taken prescriptions, or even had surgery. You were told it’s endometriosis. But the pain never really went away. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with one of the most overlooked pelvic pain causes beyond endometriosis.

Many women are misdiagnosed. And while endometriosis is common, it’s not the only explanation for chronic pelvic discomfort. One condition often missed is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), a vascular disorder that mimics endometriosis but requires a completely different approach.

Understanding what’s really going on can change everything—and finally get you the relief you deserve.

Pelvic Pain Causes Beyond Endometriosis

Endometriosis isn’t the only condition that causes pelvic pain. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) occurs when veins in the pelvis become enlarged and twisted, much like varicose veins in the legs. Blood pools in the pelvic area, creating pressure and aching that worsen over time—especially after standing or during menstruation.

Symptoms of PCS can include:

• Dull or throbbing pelvic pain that worsens throughout the day
  
• Pain during or after sex
  
• Visible varicose veins on the buttocks or upper thighs
  
• A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the lower abdomen
  

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, many women receive ineffective treatments for years before being properly diagnosed. If you’ve tried multiple therapies without improvement, you may be experiencing pelvic pain causes beyond endometriosis.

How Interventional Radiology Helps Diagnose and Treat PCS

Standard pelvic ultrasounds may miss signs of PCS. That’s where interventional radiologists come in. They use specialized imaging like venography or MRV to visualize blood flow and detect vein abnormalities.

The treatment for PCS is ovarian vein embolization—a minimally invasive procedure that blocks off the damaged veins. The body reroutes blood flow through healthy veins, reducing pressure and relieving symptoms.

Unlike hormonal therapy or surgery, embolization directly treats the root cause of PCS without removing reproductive organs. Most patients return to daily activities within a few days.

You Deserve a Clear Diagnosis and Real Relief

If you’re living with chronic pain and have been told it’s endometriosis but nothing has helped, it’s time to consider pelvic pain causes beyond endometriosis. You shouldn’t have to suffer through trial-and-error treatments for years without answers.

Ask your doctor if a referral to an interventional radiologist is appropriate. Imaging designed to evaluate pelvic veins can reveal hidden problems that standard testing can miss. When the right specialist looks, the right diagnosis often follows.

For more resources on minimally invasive care, visit the Doctorize Blog