13 Effective Ways To Treat Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Naturally: All You Need To Know

A study has shown that 30% of the females visiting gynecologists are reported with pelvic congestion syndrome. The pain caused by PCS can be mild to severe and exist longer. It interrupts daily activities and decreases the quality of life among females. Therefore, there is a need to look for proper treatments for this pelvic disorder. Some natural remedies can also be helpful against PCS symptoms. Here we’re going to discuss how to treat pelvic congestion syndrome naturally in detail, so keep reading.

What Do You Mean By Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Also known as pelvic venous insufficiency, pelvic congestion syndrome or PCS refers to chronic pelvic pain because of improper blood flow in pelvic veins. This pain is not associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy; it is because of the pelvic vein malfunctioning. Remember, PCS is chronic pain, which means it lasts for a longer duration, about more than six months.

During this condition, the veins in the pelvic region become malfunctioned. Excessive dilation occurs in the pelvic veins. They can even twist. This condition leads to blood accumulation in the veins, blood pooling, causing severe pain near pelvic organs. Inflammation or swelling can occur in the pelvic region, which is the main reason for causing severe pain among patients.

Symptoms Of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Patients with PCS can experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms.

• Dull pain in the pelvic region
• Heaviness in the lower abdominal or pelvic area
• Sharp or intense pelvic pain
• Left-side body pain
• Right-side body pain
• Increasing pain during menstruation
• Worsening symptoms at the end of the day
• Intensifying pelvic pain when you sit for longer
• Varicose veins in the pelvic region
• Dysuria
• Urinary incontinence 
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Painful intercourse

Cause Of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome or PCS

The exact cause of pelvic congestion syndrome is not yet known. Normally, valves are present in the vein to prevent the backflow of the blood. Veins are responsible for carrying the deoxygenated blood from all body organs toward the heart. As the blood has to flow upward toward the heart from the pelvic region, veins valves are of great importance to prevent the backflow of the blood in the veins. During PCS, the veins become dilated. Excessive dilation disturbs the functioning of the valves. Valves lose their ability to prevent blood backflow. Blood accumulates in the veins because it cannot adequately pump toward the heart. It causes blood pooling in the vein and causes chronic pelvic pain.

Some studies have shown that PCS is associated with pregnancy. During pregnancy, the volume of blood vessels increases by 50%. If this effect on the veins remains for longer, it can cause dilation in the pelvic veins even after pregnancy, thus increasing the risk of PCS. Low estrogen levels in the body during menupause may also contribute to PCS.

How To Treat Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Naturally?

Some natural remedies can help alleviate the congestion in the pelvic region, thus alleviating the pPCS symptoms. Below are mentioned all of the possibly effective natural remedies for PCS in detail.

Perform Kegel Exercise Regularly

Kegel exercise can be an effective natural way of alleviating pelvic congestion syndrome. Exercise improves or boosts the blood supply to the struggling pelvic muscles, which further recovers the congestion or accumulation of fluid in the veins. Pelvic floor muscles or kegel exercises are specifically performed to ensure the health and normal functioning of the pelvic region. Follow the below-mentioned guidelines to perform the easiest way of kegel exercises.

• Find the muscles in your pelvic floor first. To accomplish this, stop urinating in the middle and pay attention to the pelvic muscles that assist you in stopping urination. The muscles you identified as responsible for stopping urination are your pelvic muscles.

• Select the flat surface where you can comfortably perform your kegel exercise. You can also select the position depending on your compliance. You can either lie down or even sit to perform kegel exercises.

• After getting a suitable location and position, take a deep breath and contract your pelvic floor muscles for 5 seconds. Then, release these muscles for the next 5 seconds and repeat the process. 

• Repeat the whole procedure ten times in one sitting. Perform the complete series of this exercise thrice a day.

• Increasing the duration once you become comfortable extending the contracting and relaxing process to 10 seconds.

Maintain The Healthy Diet

Some conditions can worsen pelvic congestion syndrome. Constipation and indigestion are some prominent causes that can lead to the worsening of the symptoms. It is because of the pressure exerted on the pelvic region during feces elimination due to constipation. This stress or strain on the pelvic muscles and blood vessels can damage altered blood flow.

Therefore, patients with pelvic congestion syndrome must pay attention to their daily diet. Adding fiber-rich food to your daily is one of the best ways of reducing the risk of constipation and indigestion. Dietary fibers help in healthy digestion and, thus, absorption of food. Increasing dietary intake is always the first prescription for constipation. Also, avoid foods that can trigger indigestion, such as fried, acidic, and raw foods.

Try Raspberry Leaves

Raspberry leaves are used as an effective herbal remedy for various health ailments. Some studies have shown that it can be effective for pelvic congestion syndrome. It is because of its ability to maintain the tone of the blood vessels in the pelvic region.

Improved vascular tone can further help in alleviating the congestion in the veins. The blood flow towards the pelvic region can be boosted, thus recovering normal pelvic functioning. Patients with pelvic congestion syndrome can try this natural remedy by using the raspberry supplements available in the market. Tea prepared using raspberry leaves can also effectively maintain the vascular tone. 

Try Grape Seeds

The extracts prepared from grape seeds may also help alleviate the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome. It is because of the ability of this extract to maintain the vascular tone, preventing oxidative damage and recovering the inflammation in the pelvic region. Antioxidants are present in a considerable amount of grape seed extract, which makes it beneficial for patients.

By maintaining vascular tone, this home remedy can help alleviate blood accumulation in the pelvic veins. By reducing the inflammation, grape seed extract alleviate severe pelvic pain, and due to antioxidants, it prevents further damage to the pelvic vessels. Patients who want to try this natural remedy can go with the supplements of grape seeds available in the market.

Increase Your Bioflavonoids Intake

Bioflavonoids are the polyphenols metabolites present naturally in many fruits and veggies. They can also help with pelvic congestion syndrome by improving the blood vessel function in the body. Some of the bioflavonoids are effective in strengthening and improving the tone of the blood vessels—improved vascular tone in the pelvic region helps treat congestion.

By strengthening the vascular smooth muscles, bioflavonoids reduce the risk of blood leakage, thus preventing further worsening symptoms. They also work by reducing inflammation, thus alleviating the pain. You can increase the intake of bioflavonoids by eating the fruits such as strawberries, citrus fruits, garlic, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach. Alternatively, bioflavonoid supplements are also available in the market and can be consumed.

Try Blueberries

Blueberries contain a unique compound that effectively maintains the vascular tone and alleviates pelvic congestion syndrome symptoms. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins are substances considered effective for treating pelvic congestion syndrome. These substances help prevent collagen breakdown in the blood vessels, thus maintaining its strength. 

Vascular tone can also be improved by consuming blueberries, which helps reduce PCS. But be careful; about consuming blueberries if you are a kidney patient. They increase the risk of renal stones if consumed in excess amounts.

Perform Yoga

Yoga specific for improving pelvic functioning may help patients with PCS. It is because of the ability of yoga to strengthen the pelvic muscles and blood vessels. Like kegel exercises, yoga boosts the blood supply, thus improving circulation and reducing the severity of congestion in pelvic veins. Several yoga poses, such as bow, bridge, and cobra poses, can effectively reduce PCS symptoms.

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very tiny needles in the body at specific points, which help reduce pain. This remedy can also be effective in treating chronic pain due to PCS. It works by reducing the inflammation around the pelvic floor muscles, thus helpful for treating pelvic congestion syndrome.

Take Quercetin Supplements

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid, thus offering all the benefits we discussed above. Patients with PCS can consume these supplements, which are easily available in the market. They can consult the homeopathic doctor to determine the appropriate dose for the patient.

Try Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is an herbal remedy obtained from the parsley family. It can be effective for pelvic congestion syndrome because it treats the defected veins.  Gotu kola maintains and recovers the elasticity of the veins, thus helping in recovering blood accumulation or congestion in the pelvic region.

It also offers anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce the chronic pain associated with PCS. The blood flow toward the pelvic region is increased by using this herbal remedy. Patients can use the Gotu Kola extracts available in the form of supplements. It can also be consumed in the form of tea.

Try Horse Chestnuts

It is another herbal remedy effective for treating vein congestion. Patients with PCS can alleviate their symptoms by using horse chestnut supplements. This remedy works because of its ability to maintain the vascular tone, thus reducing the risk of fluid accumulation. It also prevents the vessels from damage caused by oxidative stress. Horse chestnuts also help with pelvic pain by reducing inflammation or swelling in the pelvic region.

Try Butcher’s Broom

Butcher’s broom is an herbal remedy used to alleviate various health ailments, including venous congestion. Studies have found that it can alleviate fluid or blood accumulation by constructing the blood vessels, thus helping patients with pelvic congestion syndrome. Its supplements are also available, which patients can easily consume.

Adapt Some Lifestyle Changes

Your daily routine can have a greater impact on the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome. For example, stress, obesity, and lack of exercise increase the complications associated with PCS. Therefore, patients with PCS should avoid the habits which can trigger stress and obesity in them. They should keep moving; sitting in one place can worsen congestion in the pelvic region.

Conclusion

Now, you must be all clear about how to treat pelvic congestion syndrome naturally.

All the remedies we discussed above can help in alleviating PCS symptoms. Most of these remedies strengthen the vascular smooth muscles and recover venous tone in the pelvic region. These remedies also reduce inflammation, thus alleviating mild to severe pelvic pain. If you can still not alleviate your symptoms, you must consult your medical doctor and seek treatment properly.