"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
Pelvic Venous Congestion
Minimally invasive treatment for chronic pelvic pain caused by enlarged pelvic veins. No surgery required.
Treatable without surgery
Understanding your condition
Pelvic Venous Congestion explained
Pelvic venous congestion is a frequently missed cause of chronic pelvic pain in Houston, affecting women whose pelvic veins have become enlarged and congested in the same way varicose veins develop in the legs. When the valves in these veins stop working, blood pools and causes persistent pressure and aching in the lower pelvis. Dr. Anwer, a Stanford Fellowship trained interventional radiologist, diagnoses and treats pelvic venous congestion using minimally invasive embolization, closing the affected veins through a pinhole incision with no surgery and same-day recovery. Many women suffer for years before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours, with pelvic pain reducing over weeks.
Dr. Anwer's approach
Dr. Anwer performs pelvic vein embolization using X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the neck or groin and guided to the congested pelvic veins. Coils or a sclerosant agent close them, eliminating the source of pain. Approximately 45 minutes, no general anaesthesia.
Treatable without surgery
Key facts
Pelvic vein embolization is performed through a pinhole, no surgery needed
X-ray guided procedure, approximately 45 minutes as an outpatient
No general anaesthesia required
Treats the root cause of pelvic pain, not just the symptoms
Most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours
Covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans
A frequently missed diagnosis that Dr. Anwer specialises in treating
Treatment overview
Is this the right treatment for you?
Every patient is different. These four areas will help you understand whether Pelvic Venous Congestion treatment at LPVI is the right fit.
Who qualifies
Am I a good candidate?
Pelvic venous congestion is most common in women of reproductive age who have had at least one pregnancy, though it can affect women who have not. Candidates typically experience a dull, aching pelvic pain that worsens after prolonged standing, during or after sexual intercourse, or in the days before menstruation. Diagnosis is confirmed using pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or venogram. Dr. Anwer reviews imaging personally at your first consultation and will confirm whether pelvic vein embolization is appropriate for your specific presentation.
Common symptoms
Symptoms we treat
Pelvic venous congestion symptoms are often dismissed or wrongly attributed to other conditions. The hallmark symptom is a dull, heavy ache in the lower pelvis that worsens after standing, during or after intercourse, or before menstruation. Pain typically eases when lying down. Some women also develop visible varicose veins on the vulva, inner thighs, or buttocks. Urinary frequency, lower back pain, and bloating are also reported. If these symptoms sound familiar, an assessment with Dr. Anwer in Houston is worth pursuing.
What to expect
The procedure
Dr. Anwer performs pelvic vein embolization as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia with light sedation. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the neck or groin and guided using real-time X-ray imaging to the congested pelvic veins. Tiny coils or a sclerosant solution are then delivered through the catheter to close the affected veins. Once closed, blood is redirected to healthy veins and the pressure causing pain is relieved. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes with no surgical incisions and no overnight stay.
After treatment
Recovery and results
Recovery from pelvic vein embolization at LPVI is straightforward. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within 24 to 48 hours. Some patients experience mild pelvic cramping for one to two days after the procedure, which is managed with standard pain relief. Pelvic pain does not resolve immediately. Most patients notice a gradual reduction in symptoms over two to six weeks as the treated veins close completely. Dr. Anwer will schedule a follow-up review to assess your response and confirm the outcome of treatment.
Your treatment starts here
What's holding
What's holding
you back?
You may have more options than you've been told. Answer four quick questions and our engine matches you to the right minimally invasive treatment and connects you directly with Dr. Anwer.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Common symptoms
You do not need all of these. Even two or three are worth discussing with Dr. Anwer at your first consultation.
Dull pelvic ache that worsens after standing for long periods
Pelvic pain during or after sexual intercourse
Pain that is worse before or during menstruation
Visible varicose veins on the vulva, thighs, or buttocks
Pelvic heaviness or pressure that eases when lying down
Lower back pain or urinary urgency alongside pelvic aching
Our approach
How Dr. Anwer treats pelvic venous congestion
Dr. Anwer performs pelvic vein embolization using X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the neck or groin and guided to the congested pelvic veins. Coils or a sclerosant agent close them, eliminating the source of pain. Approximately 45 minutes, no general anaesthesia.
Consultation with Dr. Anwer, pelvic imaging review
Diagnosis confirmed, embolization procedure date set
Outpatient embolization, 45 minutes, local anaesthesia
Same-day discharge, follow-up review in four to six weeks
Why choose this approach
Minimally invasive vs conventional treatment
Conventional approach
Pelvic venous congestion has historically been managed with hormonal therapy or laparoscopic surgery to tie off the affected veins, both of which carry significant side effects or recovery time and do not always provide lasting relief.
- Major surgery or invasive procedure
- General anaesthesia required
- Hospital stay of 1 to 5 days
- Recovery of 4 to 12 weeks
Dr. Anwer's approach at LPVI
Dr. Anwer closes the congested pelvic veins directly through a pinhole incision under X-ray guidance. No general anaesthesia, no surgical incisions, no hospital stay. Most patients go home the same day and notice gradual pain relief over the following weeks.
- Outpatient, no hospital admission
- Light sedation or local anaesthesia
- Pinhole incision, no stitches
- Same-day or next-day recovery
Pelvic venous congestion is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions I treat. Many of my patients have seen multiple specialists and been told their pain has no cause. Getting the right diagnosis changes everything, and treatment is straightforward once we confirm it.
Patient stories
What our patients are saying
5.0
Based on Google reviews
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
FAQ
Common questions about Pelvic Venous Congestion
Yes. Pelvic vein embolization is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans in Houston when pelvic venous congestion has been confirmed on imaging and is causing symptoms. Our team at LPVI will verify your specific benefits and confirm prior authorisation requirements before your consultation. Call us on 713-242-1139 and we will check your coverage and answer any questions about the cost of pelvic pain treatment in Houston.
Recovery from pelvic vein embolization at LPVI is quick. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within 24 to 48 hours. Some mild pelvic cramping in the first day or two is normal and managed with standard pain relief. Pelvic pain reduces gradually over two to six weeks as the treated veins close. Dr. Anwer will arrange a follow-up review to confirm your response to treatment and ensure the best possible outcome.
Pelvic venous congestion is diagnosed using a combination of clinical assessment and imaging. Dr. Anwer uses pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or venogram to identify enlarged or congested pelvic veins and confirm the diagnosis. Because PVC is frequently missed on standard imaging, specialist assessment is important. Many women in Houston have lived with this condition for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. If your pelvic pain has no clear explanation, a consultation with Dr. Anwer is a worthwhile next step.
Pelvic venous congestion does not resolve on its own. Without treatment, the congested veins continue to enlarge and the aching, pressure, and pain typically worsen over time. The condition can significantly affect quality of life, including relationships, work, and physical activity. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause symptoms to vary in intensity, but the underlying venous problem persists. Minimally invasive embolization at LPVI addresses the root cause and provides lasting relief for the majority of patients.
Yes. Pelvic venous congestion and pelvic congestion syndrome refer to the same condition. Both describe chronic pelvic pain caused by enlarged, poorly functioning veins in the pelvis that allow blood to pool rather than drain efficiently. The condition is similar to varicose veins in the legs. At LPVI in Houston, Dr. Anwer treats pelvic congestion syndrome using minimally invasive embolization, closing the affected veins through a pinhole with no surgery and same-day recovery.
Pelvic pain relief after embolization is gradual rather than immediate. Most patients notice a reduction in symptoms over two to six weeks as the treated veins close and pressure in the pelvis decreases. Some patients see earlier improvement, while others notice the full benefit at the two to three month mark. Dr. Anwer will monitor your progress at a follow-up review. The majority of patients treated at LPVI in Houston report significant improvement in pelvic pain within the first three months after embolization.
Coverage
We accept most major insurance plans
Dr. Anwer treats pelvic venous congestion at LPVI clinics in Houston and Webster, serving women from Sugar Land, Pearland, Friendswood, League City, and Clear Lake. Pelvic vein embolization is an outpatient procedure with same-day recovery, covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. Women across Greater Houston choose Dr. Anwer because he specialises in diagnosing this frequently missed condition and offers a minimally invasive treatment that delivers lasting relief.
Take the next step
Ready to find relief from chronic pelvic pain?
Speak with Dr. Anwer about your pelvic venous congestion. Same-day appointments available. Most insurance accepted.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.