5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Most people with a uterus experience pelvic pain on occasion. For some people, the pain lasts for six months or longer due to pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).

If you have PCS, you can rest assured that this chronic condition is highly treatable. Asking your provider smart questions in advance can help ensure a smooth process.

With his expert team at our Midtown Manhattan, New York, practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa specializes in nonsurgical PCS treatments to bring you lasting relief. 

Below, he shares more about this condition, including questions to ask your doctor once you’ve been diagnosed.

Pelvic congestion syndrome basics

Pelvic congestion syndrome happens when veins in your pelvis swell or twist, similar to varicose veins elsewhere. This interferes with blood flow, fueling bothersome symptoms.

Anyone with a uterus can develop PCS, but your odds are heightened if you’re between the ages of 20 and 45 and have given birth more than once. Having varicose veins or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also increases your risk.

PSC symptoms

Pelvic pain, the hallmark symptom of PCS, usually feels achy, dull, or heavy. Often, the pain affects only the left side and begins during or just after pregnancy. 

Your pelvic pain may worsen at the end of the day, before your period, and during or after penetrative sex. Sitting or standing at length can exacerbate it, too. 

PCS can also cause diarrhea, constipation, urinary incontinence, and painful urination. Meanwhile, you may develop varicose veins in surrounding areas, like your thighs and vulva.

PCS diagnosis and treatment

Getting diagnosed with PCS typically involves a comprehensive exam and an imaging test, such as a CT scan or MRI. 

Treatments range from oral medication to a minimally invasive procedure or traditional surgery. Medications usually help by limiting estrogen production to reduce pain. Procedures block or redirect blood flow to healthier veins.

Questions to ask your doctor about PCS

Pelvic congestion syndrome treatment tends to be highly effective. The specifics of your care will depend on a range of factors, such as your symptoms and overall health.

To make the most of your experience, consider asking your diagnosing provider these questions:

1. What experience do you have treating PCS?
2. What are my treatment options?
3. What if conservative treatment doesn’t work?
4. Am I a candidate for gonadal vein embolization?
5. What does my post-treatment prognosis look like?

Any other questions you have are well worth asking, too. You’re welcome to ask our team questions after your initial appointment as well.

How gonadal vein embolization works

Gonadal vein embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to PCS surgeries, such as hysterectomies. During your procedure, coils, foam, or sclerosing agents are delivered to the faulty veins through a thin tube (catheter). This reduces pressure in the veins by blocking off blood flow. 

Safe, effective, and less painful than surgery, gonadal vein embolization recovery usually only takes about a week. 

To learn more about or get started with personalized care, call our office today at 212-991-9991. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.