CEAP clinical score
February 19, 2026
Updated April 9, 2025
Goodbye Pelvic and Abdominal Pain, Hello Whiteley Clinic!
An article in The Mirror discusses a rare but serious condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome. The article features expert insights from Professor Mark Whiteley, who emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and awareness of pelvic and abdominal pain.
Many women, before or after pregnancy, visit their gynaecologist due to pain in the abdominal and pelvic areas. They may mistakenly believe that this pain is caused by ovulation or may be “normal” for females, while the actual source of the pain may be something that often goes undiagnosed by a gynaecologist. One common cause of such pain could be Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), which is often overlooked and whose symptoms are frequently confused with other conditions like endometriosis.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a commonly overlooked condition that is thought to affect around 1.5 million women in the UK. Despite the large number of sufferers, it remains underdiagnosed, as many women are misdiagnosed with other conditions like endometriosis or are told there is nothing wrong. Professor Mark Whiteley of The Whiteley Clinic stresses the need for greater awareness among healthcare professionals, especially gynaecologists, as PCS is not widely recognised within the field. This lack of awareness leads to many women living with untreated pain.
The condition presents itself with several symptoms that can often be mistaken for other issues. Early detection can prevent unnecessary tests, misdiagnoses, and prolonged suffering. Key symptoms of PCS include:
Unfortunately, not everyone has all of these symptoms, and many have no visible signs at all. If you experience any of these symptoms, or see veins around the vulva or perineum, requesting a transvaginal duplex ultrasound scan using the Holdstock-Harrison Protocol from your GP will help with an accurate diagnosis.
The Whiteley Clinic is leading the effort to raise awareness about PCS and improve the treatments available. One of the most effective treatments is pelvic vein embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure in which platinum coils are inserted into the affected veins to block the abnormal veins. This procedure has brought life-changing relief to many women, allowing them to return to their normal daily activities without the constant pain. Professor Whiteley calls for more education and research to ensure PCS is recognised early, and that the right treatments are made accessible to those who need them.
To this end, The Whiteley Clinic has now set up a specialist Female Pelvic Pain Clinic headed by Dr Sophie Strong, Consultant Gynaecologist. Sophie has a long history of research with The Whiteley Clinic and understands PCS as well as all of the other gynaecological causes of Pelvic Pain.
To read the full article, visit this link.
Professor Mark Whiteley Highlights the Need for Greater Awareness
Many women, before or after pregnancy, visit their gynaecologist due to pain in the abdominal and pelvic areas. They may mistakenly believe that this pain is caused by ovulation or may be “normal” for females, while the actual source of the pain may be something that often goes undiagnosed by a gynaecologist. One common cause of such pain could be Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), which is often overlooked and whose symptoms are frequently confused with other conditions like endometriosis.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a commonly overlooked condition that is thought to affect around 1.5 million women in the UK. Despite the large number of sufferers, it remains underdiagnosed, as many women are misdiagnosed with other conditions like endometriosis or are told there is nothing wrong. Professor Mark Whiteley of The Whiteley Clinic stresses the need for greater awareness among healthcare professionals, especially gynaecologists, as PCS is not widely recognised within the field. This lack of awareness leads to many women living with untreated pain.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
The condition presents itself with several symptoms that can often be mistaken for other issues. Early detection can prevent unnecessary tests, misdiagnoses, and prolonged suffering. Key symptoms of PCS include:
- Chronic pelvic pain, especially when standing or sitting, which often eases when lying down.
- Discomfort during or after sexual intercourse (deep dyspareunia).
- Lower back and hip pain.
- Visible varicose veins in the pelvic region (around the vulva or vagina).
Unfortunately, not everyone has all of these symptoms, and many have no visible signs at all. If you experience any of these symptoms, or see veins around the vulva or perineum, requesting a transvaginal duplex ultrasound scan using the Holdstock-Harrison Protocol from your GP will help with an accurate diagnosis.
Raising Awareness and Advancing Treatment
The Whiteley Clinic is leading the effort to raise awareness about PCS and improve the treatments available. One of the most effective treatments is pelvic vein embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure in which platinum coils are inserted into the affected veins to block the abnormal veins. This procedure has brought life-changing relief to many women, allowing them to return to their normal daily activities without the constant pain. Professor Whiteley calls for more education and research to ensure PCS is recognised early, and that the right treatments are made accessible to those who need them.
To this end, The Whiteley Clinic has now set up a specialist Female Pelvic Pain Clinic headed by Dr Sophie Strong, Consultant Gynaecologist. Sophie has a long history of research with The Whiteley Clinic and understands PCS as well as all of the other gynaecological causes of Pelvic Pain.
To read the full article, visit this link.
