Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment in Chicago
What is pelvic vein embolization?
Pelvic congestion syndrome treatment with pelvic vein embolization closes the faulty veins that let blood pool in the pelvis and cause chronic pelvic pain. An interventional radiologist reaches these veins through a tiny opening in the groin, guided by live X-ray imaging. The procedure takes about an hour, and most women go home the same day.
Pelvic vein embolization, also called ovarian vein embolization, treats pelvic congestion syndrome, a condition in women caused by varicose veins in the pelvis.
What happens during pelvic vein embolization?
In total, the procedure takes about an hour, and studies report improvement in about 85% of women.
Sedative, anesthetic, and a small incision
The patient is given a sedative, and a local anesthetic is applied to the area where the catheter will be inserted. Then, a small opening is made in the skin of the groin, and a thin catheter is placed into the femoral vein and guided to the ovarian vein using live X-ray imaging.
Contrast material injected
Contrast dye is injected through the catheter so that the X-ray images show exactly which veins are faulty.
Monitoring for complications
The patient is monitored for any complications. Since the procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, patients can go home the same day. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor progress.
Closing the faulty veins
Embolic material is placed through the catheter to close the faulty veins: tiny coils, small plugs, or a vein-closing medicine called a sclerosant, as needed. Blood then flows through healthy veins instead of pooling in the pelvis, which reduces symptoms over time.
Removing the catheter
The catheter is then removed, and the small opening is covered with a bandage.
How do we know if embolization is right for you?
Pelvic vein embolization helps when faulty pelvic veins are the likely source of your pain, so the first step is confirming that. Your doctor reviews your symptoms and ultrasound or other scans, and checks for other causes of pelvic pain. During the procedure, venography, an X-ray test with dye inside the veins, shows exactly which veins need treatment.
What results can you expect?
Pelvic vein embolization reduces pelvic pain for many women, but complete or permanent relief is not guaranteed. Studies generally report improvement, although the research is still limited. Pain can continue or return in some women, who may need repeat treatment or more tests to find out why symptoms remain.
Risks of pelvic vein embolization
Pelvic vein embolization can cause temporary pelvic aching and bruising where the catheter entered. Less common complications include bleeding, infection, or a reaction to the X-ray dye. Rarely, a coil or other material can move out of the treated vein, including toward the lungs. Your doctor reviews allergies, kidney health, and your treatment plan before the procedure.
Recovering from pelvic vein embolization
Avoid strenuous activity
It’s best to avoid strenuous and intense activity for a week.
Take any pain relief medication as prescribed
There may be some mild discomfort in the pelvis in the week following the procedure. If you were given pain relief medication, make sure to follow the instructions as given by our providers.
Home remedies
Trying out home remedies like hot water bottles or compresses can also provide some much-needed relief during the healing process. Taking time to relax and maintaining a nutritious diet can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Keep in touch with us!
Be sure to check in with our providers regularly so they can monitor your progress and suggest any other treatments which may help along the way.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Treatment FAQs
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Pelvic vein embolization is not expected to be painful. At MIMIT, you receive a sedative to help you relax and a local anesthetic to numb the small opening in the groin. Mild pelvic aching is common for about a week afterward. Your care team will explain which pain relief to use at home.
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Yes, the coils and plugs used to close the faulty veins stay in place permanently. Depending on your veins, the doctor may use tiny metal coils, small vascular plugs, or a vein-closing medicine called a sclerosant, given through a catheter, a thin, flexible tube. Coils and plugs are designed to remain in the treated veins and keep them closed.
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Most women go home the same day after pelvic vein embolization, but plan to rest and avoid straining and intense activity for about a week. Your care team will tell you when to return to work, exercise and sex based on your recovery. Arrange a ride home, because you receive a sedative during the procedure.
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Ovarian vein embolization may change your periods, and its long-term effects on fertility and pregnancy are still uncertain. Some research has found changes in menstrual cycles and in markers of a woman's remaining egg supply. If you hope to become pregnant, talk with your treating doctor and gynecologist before choosing treatment.
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Pelvic vein embolization is one treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Pain medicines and hormone treatments can help manage symptoms. When a vein is squeezed rather than leaking, a stent, a small support tube, may help instead. Your scans and treatment goals guide the choice.
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Insurance coverage for pelvic congestion syndrome treatment depends on your plan and your diagnosis, and some plans limit coverage for embolization. Ask whether approval is needed before you schedule. MIMIT Health does not accept Medicaid, including plans that combine Medicare and Medicaid. Call (708) 486-2600 to check your coverage and ask about any costs.
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To find out whether pelvic vein embolization can help, call MIMIT Health at (708) 486-2600 or use the Schedule an Appointment button on this page. Bring any pelvic ultrasound or MRI reports and your medication list. MIMIT treats pelvic congestion syndrome at all four offices: Des Plaines, Hinsdale, Chicago South Loop and Chicago North. We welcome referrals from your doctor.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Paramjit "Romi" Chopra, M.D., interventional radiologist - October 2026
