The horizontally-oriented logo for the Vascular Wellness Institute
Patient Portal
Patient Forms
Physician Referrals
The horizontally-oriented logo for the Vascular Wellness Institute

Endovascular / Catheter-Based

Medically Reviewed By:

2026-07-26

Ovarian Vein Ablation

Ovarian vein ablation treats pelvic congestion syndrome — enlarged, refluxing pelvic veins that cause chronic pelvic pain, pressure, and pain after standing or intercourse. Through a catheter placed in the groin or neck vein, the abnormal veins are closed with coils or sclerosant. The procedure takes one to two hours under sedation, and most patients go home the same day.

Ovarian Vein Ablation in Sarasota & Bradenton

Chronic Pelvic Pain Has a Vascular Cause More Often Than Most People Realize.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is caused by enlarged, poorly draining veins in the pelvis — the pelvic equivalent of varicose veins. These veins — most commonly the ovarian veins and internal iliac veins — develop reflux (backward blood flow), causing chronic pelvic pressure, aching, and pain that worsens with prolonged standing, after intercourse, or during menstruation.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a significant but frequently underdiagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain in women, particularly those who have had children. Ovarian vein ablation — performed through a catheter without incisions — closes the refluxing veins and relieves the pressure that causes symptoms.

Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

  • Chronic pelvic pain or pressure, typically worse after standing or at the end of the day
  • Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Worsening pain during menstruation
  • Vulvar varicosities — visible varicose veins in the vulva, inner thighs, or buttocks
  • Urgency or frequency of urination

Symptoms are often mistaken for gynecologic conditions. Many women have undergone extensive gynecologic evaluation before the vascular cause is identified.

The Procedure

Ovarian vein ablation is performed through a small catheter inserted through the groin or neck vein. Under X-ray guidance, the catheter is advanced to the ovarian veins, which are evaluated for reflux. Abnormal veins are then embolized — closed using coils, a sclerosant, or both. The procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed under sedation. Most patients go home the same day.

If May-Thurner syndrome (iliac vein compression) is identified as a contributing cause, venous stenting may be recommended as a companion procedure.

Anesthesia Type

Conscious Sedation

Typical Duration

1–2hrs

Performed At

Hospital, Outpatient Surgery Center

Recovery Time

Most patients go home the same day; return to work typically within 1–2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is pelvic congestion syndrome diagnosed? +

    Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical history, pelvic ultrasound (with Doppler to assess venous flow), and often CT or MRI of the pelvis. Pelvic venography — a catheter-based X-ray procedure that directly images the pelvic veins — is the most definitive diagnostic study and is typically performed at the time of treatment if the clinical picture is consistent.

  • Will ovarian vein ablation affect my fertility or hormones? +

    The procedure targets abnormal refluxing veins and does not affect the ovaries themselves. Published data do not show an adverse effect on fertility or hormone levels following ovarian vein embolization. Women who wish to become pregnant after treatment should discuss timing and individual considerations with their physician.

  • How much relief can I expect from ovarian vein ablation? +

    Published studies report significant or complete symptom relief in 70 to 85 percent of patients following ovarian vein embolization. Results are typically maintained at long-term follow-up. Recurrence can occur if additional refluxing veins are not treated at the initial procedure.

  • Is there a connection between pelvic congestion and leg varicose veins? +

    Yes. Ovarian and internal iliac vein reflux can contribute to varicose veins in the inner thigh, vulva, and behind the knee — areas that receive venous drainage from the pelvis. Treating pelvic reflux is important in women with varicose veins in these unusual distributions; treating only the leg veins without addressing the pelvic source often leads to recurrence.

  • Is ovarian vein ablation covered by insurance? +

    Coverage varies by insurer and requires documented clinical criteria — typically chronic pelvic pain with imaging evidence of pelvic venous reflux. Medicare and many commercial plans do provide coverage when criteria are met. Our staff will verify your benefits and obtain prior authorization as needed.