Pelvic Venous Disorder (PVD) Treatment in San Antonio — Minimally Invasive Relief for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Both cause chronic pelvic pain, but they have different roots. PVD is a vascular problem where dilated pelvic veins let blood pool and form painful varicose veins inside the pelvis. Endometriosis is a gynecological condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. PVD is frequently misdiagnosed as endometriosis, which is why many women go years without the correct diagnosis. Imaging by an experienced vascular specialist is what tells the two apart.

Pelvic pain from vein disease tends to worsen as the day goes on and gets worse with standing or walking. Other clues include pain during or after intercourse, bulging veins on the vulva or upper thighs, and bladder symptoms. If a gynecological evaluation has not explained your pain, or you have been told it is endometriosis, IBS, or back pain without relief, PVD is worth ruling out. A pelvic ultrasound, sometimes with MRI or CT, confirms whether dilated pelvic veins are the cause.

No. The procedure is minimally invasive and done under sedation, so you are relaxed and comfortable throughout. Dr.Thomas  Gianis guides a small catheter through a vein in your neck or groin to reach the pelvic veins, so there is no open surgery and no large incision. Most patients feel only mild soreness afterward and go home within a few hours.

Most patients get lasting relief. Up to 85% of women find relief within two weeks of treatment. Because the procedure closes off or opens the specific veins causing the problem, the corrected veins do not return to causing pain. Your results depend on your anatomy, which is why Dr. Gianis builds a treatment plan around your specific imaging.

The veins treated during the procedure are permanently closed or stented, so those specific veins do not cause pain again. In some cases, other pelvic veins can develop the same problem over time, especially with hormonal changes or future pregnancies. Follow-up care helps catch any new issues early. If symptoms ever return, you can be re-evaluated with imaging.

PVD is far more common in women, particularly those between 20 and 50 who have had multiple pregnancies, because pregnancy increases blood flow to the pelvis and can damage vein valves. Men can develop related pelvic vein conditions too, though it is less common. If you have unexplained chronic pelvic pain, a vascular evaluation can determine whether your veins are the cause regardless of gender.

PVD at Medical Vein Clinic is treated by Dr. Thomas Gianis, a board-certified vascular surgeon and fellowship-trained endovascular specialist. He completed his fellowship in vascular and endovascular surgery at the University of Virginia and has helped hundreds of patients find relief from chronic pelvic pain and other vein and arterial conditions. Dr. Gianis sees PVD patients at both Medical Vein Clinic locations in San Antonio.

Call 210-622-8000 or book online at medicalveinclinic.com/book-an-appointment. We treat PVD at two San Antonio locations: Stone Oak at 18831 Meisner Drive, San Antonio, TX 78258, and Northwest San Antonio at 5742 W. Loop 1604 N., San Antonio, TX 78251. We verify your insurance before your appointment, so you will know your coverage ahead of time.