An article published by Daily Mail, developed in consultation with Professor Mark Whiteley, highlights Understanding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)—a condition affecting approximately 1.5 million women in the UK, as well as men, although it is far more common in women. Despite its significant impact, PCS remains underdiagnosed, leaving many sufferers in pain for years without knowing the cause. PCS is caused by varicose veins in the pelvic area, leading to:

• Chronic pelvic pain, especially when standing for long periods


• Increased urgency to urinate


• Discomfort during menstruation and sexual activity


• Worsening symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 


• Visible varicose veins in the intimate areas

Many patients, both men and women, experience long-term discomfort without a clear diagnosis, often receiving ineffective treatments for other conditions.

Symptoms and Challenges in Diagnosis

The symptoms of PCS can be debilitating, significantly affecting daily life. Unfortunately, PCS is frequently misdiagnosed, as its symptoms overlap with conditions such as endometriosis and prostate-related issues in men. Many patients visit multiple doctors without receiving an accurate diagnosis. Professor Mark Whiteley, a leading expert in venous diseases, emphasises that 1 in 3 women with chronic pelvic pain may have undiagnosed pelvic varicose veins, yet the condition is often overlooked by healthcare providers. Corrine Jones, a mother from Cornwall, suffered from pelvic pain for months, undergoing multiple hospital tests for ovarian cysts—only to be sent home without answers. It wasn’t until she discovered information about PCS online in 2023 that she realised her symptoms matched those of PCS, which had previously been dismissed by doctors.

Understanding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

PCS occurs when faulty valves in the ovarian and pelvic veins fail to maintain normal blood flow. This causes blood to pool in the pelvic region, leading to enlarged veins that put pressure on surrounding organs such as the bladder, bowel, and vagina. Key facts about PCS:

• It can affect women at any age, but appears more common in those who have had multiple pregnancies


• Pregnancy-related factors, such as increased blood flow and pressure on pelvic veins, can lead to vein dysfunction


• However, Whiteley Clinic research has shown 10% of PCS sufferers are women who have never had children and 25% are postmenopausal


• Symptoms often worsen throughout the day, particularly after standing or during menstruation


• In men, PCS can contribute to chronic pelvic pain, varicose veins in the scrotum (varicocele), and urinary discomfort

Due to the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, many women are wrongly told their pain is normal or attributed to other conditions, such as endometriosis, delaying the correct diagnosis.

Treatment Options and Medical Solutions

Fortunately, PCS can be effectively diagnosed and treated. The Whiteley Clinic, founded by Professor Mark Whiteley, is a leading specialist centre for venous diseases, offering advanced diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art treatments for PCS.

• A catheter is inserted into the affected veins


• Platinum coils or sclerosants are used to block the malfunctioning veins


• The body naturally reabsorbs the blocked veins, improving blood flow in healthy veins and relieving symptoms

PVE is a safe procedure with a quick recovery, but it is not always available on the NHS, prompting many women to seek treatment at private clinics. Unfortunately, even in private clinics, some only treat the ovarian veins rather than both ovarian and internal iliac veins, meaning some women continue to have symptoms even after treatment. At The Whiteley Clinic we have shown that the internal iliac veins are more important in this condition than ovarian veins alone. Corrine Jones, after struggling to get effective NHS treatment, turned to The Whiteley Clinic, where she underwent PVE. Following the procedure, she reported significant pain relief and was able to resume her daily activities without discomfort.

Raising Awareness for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Despite the availability of effective treatments, awareness of PCS remains limited. Professor Mark Whiteley emphasises that:

• 1 in 3 women with chronic pelvic pain may have undiagnosed pelvic varicose veins


• Many doctors misdiagnose PCS, often confusing it with endometriosis or other pelvic disorders


• Men with chronic pelvic pain should also be assessed for PCS, as they may suffer from pelvic varicose veins

With increasing media coverage, patient education, and improved recognition by healthcare professionals, more patients—both men and women—can receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for PCS, transforming their quality of life. For those experiencing chronic pelvic pain with no clear diagnosis, consulting a specialist like Professor Mark Whiteley at The Whiteley Clinic could be the key to finding lasting relief. To read the full article, click here.