Endometriosis and Pelvic Vein Incompetence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the relationship between pelvic vein incompetence and endometriosis
IRAS ID
127837
Contact name
Charles McCollum
Contact email
Research summary
Recurrent pain in the pelvis (lower abdomen or tummy) lasting for more than three months is known medically as chronic pelvic pain (CPP). CPP is a major health problem affecting millions of women worldwide. A study by the World Health Organisation demonstrated that 24% of women worldwide suffer from CPP.
CPP causes significant physical and psychological problems. In addition to pelvic pain, women commonly experience pain during sexual intercourse and passing urine, heaviness in their pelvis, tiredness and trouble sleeping. Social isolation, relationship problems and loss of employment have all been reported.
Endometriosis is the name given to a condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Nearly 50% of women with CPP are diagnosed with endometriosis every year. Endometriosis is diagnosed by a keyhole operation called a laparoscopy. The evidence suggesting early-stage endometriosis is a cause of CPP is poor. Nevertheless, women with early-stage endometriosis are often subjected to invasive and expensive treatments.
Pelvic vein incompetence (dilated veins in the pelvis) could be a potential cause for CPP. We want to establish whether pelvic vein incompetence (PVI) is related to endometriosis and whether patients with both dilated pelvic veins and endometriosis have worse symptoms. This could lead to the suggestion that pelvic vein incompetence is actually the main symptom causing factor, rather than the early stage endometriosis. It is easily identified and treated by blocking off the dilated veins (coil embolisation).
This study attempts to determine the relationship between endometriosis and PVI.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0323
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion