Chronic Pelvic Pain - Many women suffer from chronic pelvic pain (also called pelvic congestion syndrome), a condition caused by varicose veins in the pelvis. Symptoms may include pelvic pain that worsens towards the end of the day or after long periods of standing, pain during or after intercourse, or varicose (swollen) veins of the vulva. The condition is difficult to diagnose, and many women mistakenly conclude that the pain "is all in my head." Interventional radiologists can diagnose and treat chronic pelvic pain. First, an X-ray called a venogram is performed. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a small nick in the skin and threaded through a vein into the pelvis. An X-ray dye is injected to show the abnormal veins. Next, the veins can be blocked by injecting tiny coils into the vein, cutting blood flow to the affected area, and shrinking the varicose veins.