Vein, Vein, Go Away: The Pelvis Has a Plumbing Problem
Pelvic pain that feels heavy, achy, bloated, or mysteriously worse by the end of the day? Pain after sex that lingers? Vulvar varicose veins, bladder urgency, or “everything looks normal” test results that definitely do not feel normal?
Dr. Julie Baron joins this episode of Labia Logic to get into pelvic venous congestion — also called pelvic venous disorders — and why this often-overlooked cause of chronic pelvic pain deserves a much bigger seat at the exam-room table.
Julie shares her own experience with years of unexplained pelvic and abdominal pain, how she finally found answers through vascular imaging, and why pelvic venous disorders can overlap with symptoms like bloating, urinary urgency, painful sex, vulvar discomfort, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, POTS, EDS, MCAS, and more. In other words: the pelvis is not a simple neighborhood, and the veins may be causing more drama than anyone realized.
Listeners will learn the classic signs of venous pelvic pain, why standard imaging can miss the bigger picture, and why “just do Kegels” is not the answer here. The conversation also covers treatment options, vascular referrals, stents, embolization, and why finding the right provider matters.
Most importantly, this episode offers validation for anyone who has been told their pain is incidental, imaginary, or “just motherhood.” Your body is not being dramatic. It may just need someone willing to look at the whole picture.
Links
About Our Guest
Dr. Julie Baron is a pelvic floor and orthopedic physical therapist and the Director of the Pelvic Health & Performance Center in Bellevue, Washington. Dr. Baron holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University and brings 17 years of clinical experience to her work. She has advanced training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, prenatal and postpartum care, strength and conditioning, and complex orthopedic conditions. Her clinical work is grounded in a holistic, whole-person approach to pelvic health.
She is internationally recognized for her work advancing awareness and clinical understanding of Pelvic Venous Disorders (PeVD). Dr. Baron lectures widely to physical therapists and healthcare providers, presenting at major international conferences and educational events. Her work is also being incorporated into the continuing education curriculum for pelvic health clinicians through Herman & Wallace, helping expand education on vascular contributions to pelvic pain for providers across the field.
Her professional focus is informed not only by her extensive clinical experience, but also by her own journey navigating chronic pelvic pain and PeVD—an experience that continues to shape her patient-centered approach and her commitment to education, research, and advocacy.
More about the hosts of Labia Logic
Dr. Ashley Fuller is a Sexual Medicine Gynecologist and Vulvar Specialist in Seattle, WA.
Dr. Meredith McClure is a Menopause Specialist, Sexual Medicine Gynecologist, and Vulvar Specialist in Dallas, TX.
Follow the show on Instagram @labia_logic
This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.
