Pelvic congestion syndrome embolisation London.

Indicative pricing

What private pelvic congestion embolisation costs in London.

The journey

From enquiry to follow-up.

1. 01

   Before

   You tell us what is going on

   A short, confidential form. Symptoms, imaging, gynaecology history, whether pain is worse standing or after sex.

2. 02

   Before

   We come back with a plan

   Within one working day: whether embolisation is the right treatment, indicative cost, and which London IR service fits best.

3. 03

   Before

   Consultation and imaging

   Consultant IR review, transvaginal ultrasound with Valsalva, and MR or CT venogram to confirm reflux.

4. 04

   On the day

   Day-case embolisation

   Local anaesthetic with sedation. Femoral or basilic vein access. Coils and foam sclerosant to the refluxing veins.

5. 05

   After

   Follow-up and outcomes

   Clinical review at 4–6 weeks, then symptom review at 3 and 12 months. Repeat imaging only if pain persists.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about pelvic congestion embolisation.

• What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

  Pelvic congestion syndrome is chronic pelvic pain caused by ovarian and pelvic vein reflux. The veins draining the pelvis become dilated and tortuous, and blood pools rather than draining upward. It typically affects women aged 20–45 who have had one or more pregnancies. The pain is a dragging heaviness that is worse when standing, worse at the end of the day, worse before periods, and often includes deep pain during sex with a post-coital ache lasting hours. Atypical varicose veins in the vulva, buttocks, inner thigh or lower back are a strong clue.

• How is it diagnosed?

  Diagnosis needs imaging that captures reflux, not just anatomy. A transvaginal ultrasound with Valsalva can show dilated pelvic veins and reversed flow in the ovarian veins. CT venography or MR venography then confirms ovarian vein dilation (usually the left) and maps internal iliac tributaries. Contrast venography at the time of embolisation is the reference standard and lets the interventional radiologist treat immediately when reflux is confirmed.

• What happens during the embolisation?

  The procedure is a day case under local anaesthetic with light sedation. The IR accesses a vein in the groin (femoral) or upper arm (basilic), then catheterises the left ovarian vein, the right ovarian vein and both internal iliac branches as needed. Detachable coils and foam sclerosant occlude the refluxing veins. It takes 60–150 minutes depending on how many territories need treatment.

• How well does it work?

  Technical success is over 95 percent. Roughly 75–85 percent of women report more than a 50 percent reduction in pelvic pain at 12 months, and the benefit is sustained at five years in most published series. Vulval and thigh varicosities usually shrink within a few months. Response is best when other pelvic pain drivers have been excluded first.

• How much does it cost privately in London?

  All-inclusive fees run £5,500 to £10,000 depending on how many veins need embolisation, the devices used and the hospital. Unilateral ovarian vein embolisation sits at the lower end. Bilateral ovarian plus internal iliac embolisation sits at the top. Consultation, imaging and follow-up are usually itemised separately.

• What is recovery like?

  Rest for 24 hours after the procedure. Most women are back at office work in two to three days. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for two weeks. Sex is fine from the end of the first week. Mild pelvic ache and a low-grade temperature for a few days is normal post-embolisation syndrome and settles with simple analgesia.