Ovarian Vein Embolization for Pelvic Congestion in Queens & Long Island
Minimally invasive treatment for chronic pelvic pain caused by pelvic congestion syndrome. Outpatient procedure. Same-day discharge.
Why Embolization?
Written by Practice Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Amir Salem, MD, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist · Last updated April 26, 2026
What is Ovarian Vein Embolization?
Ovarian Vein Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats pelvic congestion syndrome — chronic pelvic pain caused by dilated, refluxing ovarian or pelvic veins. An interventional radiologist accesses the abnormal veins through a small needle stick and deploys coils or sclerosing agents to close them, redirecting blood flow through healthy veins. No incision, no general anesthesia, same-day return home.
Ovarian Vein Embolization may be a good fit for women who:
- Have chronic pelvic pain (often worse with standing, late in the day, or after intercourse)
- Have been worked up for and ruled out other causes of pelvic pain (gynecologic, urologic, GI)
- Have imaging confirming dilated pelvic or ovarian veins
- Have not responded adequately to conservative therapy
What Is Ovarian Vein Embolization?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition in which the veins draining the ovaries and pelvis become dilated and incompetent — similar to varicose veins in the legs, but occurring in the pelvis. These engorged veins produce elevated venous pressure in the pelvic structures, causing a characteristic chronic, dull, aching pelvic pain. The pain typically worsens with prolonged standing, late in the day, after intercourse (dyspareunia), and around menstruation — and it often eases when lying down.
PCS is frequently under-diagnosed because its cause is vascular rather than gynecologic, and standard pelvic evaluations may not identify it. Once imaging confirms dilated, refluxing ovarian or pelvic veins and other causes have been excluded, ovarian vein embolization is a highly targeted treatment.
Using real-time X-ray fluoroscopy, an interventional radiologist advances a microcatheter through the jugular or femoral vein into the incompetent ovarian veins. A diagnostic venogram confirms the reflux, and then tiny coils (and sometimes a sclerosing agent) are deployed to close the abnormal veins, eliminating the pooled venous blood that drives the chronic pain. At M&S Vascular, this procedure is performed by Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified interventional radiologist, through a single needle puncture.
Am I a Candidate for Ovarian Vein Embolization?
Candidacy requires a thorough evaluation: imaging-confirmed pelvic venous dilation with reflux, a characteristic chronic pelvic pain pattern, exclusion of other causes, and failure of conservative management.
Typical good-fit candidates
- ✓Chronic pelvic pain ≥ 6 months with characteristic PCS pain pattern
- ✓Imaging (US, CT, or MR venogram) confirming dilated pelvic veins with reflux
- ✓Other causes of pelvic pain excluded (endometriosis, fibroids, GI, urologic)
- ✓Multiparous women (multiple pregnancies — a known PCS risk factor)
- ✓Failed conservative therapy (NSAIDs, hormonal management)
- ✓Significant impact on daily activity or quality of life
Contraindications / not ideal for
- –Pregnancy (absolute contraindication)
- –Active pelvic infection
- –Pelvic pain caused by a different confirmed etiology not yet addressed
- –Insufficient imaging characterization prior to procedure
Have chronic pelvic pain that's gone undiagnosed or undertreated?
Request a consultation to find out if PCS is the causeHow Ovarian Vein Embolization Works: Step-by-Step
1Pre-procedure imaging and multidisciplinary workup
Before the procedure, imaging is reviewed to confirm pelvic venous dilation and reflux. Transvaginal ultrasound is typically the first modality; CT venogram or MR venogram may provide further detail on the venous anatomy. It is also standard to confirm that a gynecologic evaluation has been completed to exclude other pelvic pathology.
2The embolization procedure
You receive conscious sedation. The interventional radiologist accesses the venous system through a small needle puncture — typically the internal jugular vein in the neck or the femoral vein in the groin — and advances a microcatheter under fluoroscopic guidance into the left (and if indicated, right) ovarian vein and the internal iliac venous tributaries. A venogram confirms the pattern and extent of reflux. Coils are then deployed at multiple levels to close the incompetent veins, eliminating the chronic pelvic venous engorgement.
3Recovery and discharge
After the procedure, you spend a brief period in recovery before going home with a responsible adult driver. The access site requires only a small bandage. Most patients experience minimal post-procedure discomfort. You leave with written instructions, a direct contact line, and a follow-up plan.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
In our practice, we perform ovarian vein embolization under conscious sedation in our fully accredited outpatient suite at Great Neck. You'll arrive approximately one hour before the scheduled start time. Our nursing team will review your allergies, medications, and any questions before Dr. Salem begins.
The procedure typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the venous anatomy and whether bilateral treatment is performed. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the procedure is. After completion you rest briefly in recovery before discharge.
We ask that a responsible adult drive you home. You'll leave with a same-day contact number, written instructions covering activity restrictions, and a follow-up appointment to assess your symptom response.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1Go home same day. Minor soreness at the access site (neck or groin) is normal. Pelvic cramping may occur — managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Days 2–5Resume light activity. Most patients experience minimal ongoing discomfort.
- Weeks 1–2Return to full normal activities including work. Some patients begin to notice early reduction in pelvic heaviness or pain.
- 1–3 monthsContinued improvement in pelvic pain as the treated veins fully close and chronic venous engorgement resolves.
Recovery timelines are approximate and vary by individual. Your care team will provide personalized guidance.
Risks and Alternatives
Here is an honest comparison of treatment approaches for pelvic congestion syndrome.
| Treatment | Type | Anesthesia | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embolization (this procedure) | Minimally invasive, transvenous | Conscious sedation | Same-day outpatient |
| Hormonal management (GnRH / progestins) | Medical — temporary symptom control | None | None |
| Surgical ligation / laparoscopy | Surgical — less commonly used today | General | Outpatient to 1-night stay |
| Hysterectomy (severe/refractory) | Surgical — radical option, last resort | General | 2–3 night stay + weeks recovery |
| Conservative therapy / NSAIDs | Symptomatic management only | None | None |
Known ovarian vein embolization risks
- •Minor bruising or soreness at catheter access site (neck or groin)
- •Mild pelvic cramping in days following procedure (self-limited)
- •Rare: coil migration requiring retreatment
- •Rare: non-target embolization
- •Rare: contrast allergic reaction (pre-medication available)
For the full risk-benefit discussion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem. This list is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Why Choose M&S Vascular for Ovarian Vein Embolization
Your Interventional Radiologist
Amir Salem, MD
Board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and interventional procedures. Member, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Two convenient locations
Forest Hills, Queens and Great Neck, Long Island — serving patients from across the NYC metro area.
AAAHC-accredited outpatient suite
Procedures performed in a fully accredited ambulatory setting.
Fast response
We respond to consultation requests within 5 minutes during business hours.
Insurance accepted
Most major plans accepted. View accepted insurances →
What patients say
“I had been told for years my pelvic pain was just something I had to live with. Dr. Salem was the first person who explained what was actually causing it. After the procedure the pain has significantly improved.”
“I had two laparoscopies that found nothing. A vascular evaluation finally showed pelvic congestion syndrome. The embolization changed my quality of life.”
“Same-day discharge, minimal recovery. I was back to work in a week. Wish someone had told me about this years ago.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ovarian vein embolization covered by insurance and Medicare?
Coverage varies by plan. Many commercial insurers cover ovarian vein embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome when medically necessary criteria are met. Our team will verify your specific benefits and obtain pre-authorization before your procedure.
How is pelvic congestion syndrome different from other causes of pelvic pain?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is specifically caused by dilated, refluxing ovarian or pelvic veins — similar to varicose veins but in the pelvis. It produces a characteristic chronic, dull pelvic ache that typically worsens with prolonged standing, late in the day, after intercourse, or around menstruation. Unlike endometriosis or fibroids, PCS is vascular in origin and is confirmed by imaging demonstrating venous engorgement and reflux.
How is the diagnosis of pelvic congestion confirmed before treatment?
Diagnosis is confirmed by imaging demonstrating dilated pelvic veins with reflux. Transvaginal ultrasound is typically the initial modality; CT venogram or MR venogram may be used for additional characterization. Other causes of pelvic pain (gynecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal) must be excluded before attributing symptoms to PCS. A venogram performed at the time of the embolization procedure itself also serves a diagnostic function.
How long is recovery from ovarian vein embolization?
Most patients go home the same day. Light activity can typically resume within a few days. Full normal activity including work is usually possible within 1–2 weeks. Symptom improvement may begin within weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.
Where is ovarian vein embolization performed in Long Island and Queens?
Ovarian vein embolization at M&S Vascular is performed at our Great Neck, Long Island location in a fully accredited outpatient suite. We serve patients from across Long Island, Queens, and the broader NYC metro area including Forest Hills, Bayside, Flushing, and Manhasset.
Who is a candidate for ovarian vein embolization?
Good candidates are women with chronic pelvic pain lasting more than six months, a characteristic pain pattern (worse with standing, after intercourse, late in the day), imaging confirmation of dilated pelvic or ovarian veins with reflux, and exclusion of other causes of pelvic pain. Conservative therapy should have been tried and failed. A consultation is required to review your imaging, symptom history, and prior workup.
What are the risks of ovarian vein embolization?
Ovarian vein embolization is generally well tolerated. Risks include minor bruising or soreness at the catheter access site, mild pelvic discomfort in the days following the procedure, and rarely, coil migration or non-target embolization. Serious complications are uncommon. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks specific to your anatomy during your consultation.
How quickly will pelvic pain improve after embolization?
Some women notice early pelvic pain relief within weeks as venous pressure in the pelvis normalizes. Continued improvement typically occurs over the following 1–3 months as congestion resolves.
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