Many women experience problems with long-term or chronic pelvic pain that is related to pelvic congestion syndrome. This condition is linked to problems with the blood vessels (veins) that carry blood back to your heart.
Ali Golshan, MD, is a vascular specialist well-known for his expertise in providing nonsurgical treatments for vein issues such as pelvic congestion syndrome. This top-rated specialist has a thriving practice, Beach Wellness MD, in the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
Read what Dr. Golshan has to say about chronic pelvic pain and its relationship to your vein health.
What is pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome is linked to the function of veins in your lower abdomen or pelvic region. Veins are the vessels that carry blood back to your heart. Problems within your veins cause blood to pool, and the vessels enlarge and twist in response. This is the same effect that varicose veins produce in your legs and other areas.
What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome causes a variety of signs and symptoms that may include:
- Pelvic discomfort that can be sharp and intense or dull and aching
- A sensation of heaviness in the pelvic area
- Pelvic pain that often occurs on only one side and worsens as the day progresses
- Bulging and enlarged veins in the groin and upper thigh
You may also notice increasing pelvic pain before or after your period.
Pain associated with pelvic congestion syndrome may worsen with certain activities, including:
- Walking
- Sexual intercourse
- Standing for long periods
It’s not clear what causes pelvic congestion syndrome, but researchers feel it may be related to physical and hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. Interestingly, postmenopausal women are less likely to develop pelvic congestion syndrome. It’s felt this might be related to cessation of estrogen.
What is the treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome?
Dr. Golshan uses a minimally invasive procedure to shut off damaged veins and prevent blood from pooling in the veins. The treatment is performed here at Beach Wellness MD and takes about an hour to complete.
During the treatment, Dr. Golshan uses X-ray imaging and contrast material to visualize and accurately target the affected blood vessel(s). He then uses embolization (placement of a tiny metal coil in the damaged vein) to close off the abnormal vein.
You can expect to leave the office shortly after the procedure and should be able to resume normal activities the following day. We do recommend, however, that you avoid strenuous exercise or activity for a few days after the treatment.
For expert vein treatment and relief from symptoms related to pelvic congestion syndrome, schedule a visit with Dr. Golshan at Beach Wellness MD. Call the office or request an appointment online today.
ABOUT DR. ALI GOLSHAN
Ali Golshan, MD, is a double board-certified leading vascular expert who specializes in in-office, minimally-invasive interventional radiology treatments at Beach Wellness MD. Dr. Golshan devotes personalized attention to each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Golshan graduated summa cum laude as valedictorian from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a Doctorate of Medicine from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Golshan completed a residency in radiology at UCLA and a fellowship in interventional radiology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
