How Does Gonadal Vein Embolization Help with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Most everyone who menstruates deals with pelvic pain now and then. If your pelvic pain carries on for at least six months, regardless of where you are in your cycle, you may be dealing with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).

While major surgery can treat this painful condition, you don’t have to go “under the knife” to experience lasting relief.

With his expert team at Midtown Manhattan practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa provides several minimally invasive treatments for pelvic congestion syndrome, including gonadal vein embolization (GVE).

Here’s a closer look at pelvic congestion syndrome, including how this outpatient treatment helps.

Pelvic congestion syndrome basics

Pelvic congestion syndrome negatively affects blood flow in your pelvis due to faulty veins. The veins are essentially internal varicose veins, the kind that visibly bulge in many people’s legs. As PCS veins widen, twist, and overfill, blood pools in your pelvis, resulting in pain.

PCS pain often worsens during and after your periods and sex. You might notice increased pelvic pain at the end of the day or after standing for long periods. Pelvic congestion syndrome can also cause diarrhea, constipation, painful urination, and urinary incontinence. 

While anyone with a uterus can experience PCS, your odds are highest between ages 20 and 45. Other risk factors include having given birth more than once, a personal or family history of varicose veins, and having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Pelvic congestion syndrome treatment

Your ideal PCS treatment will depend on your symptoms and overall health. In some cases, medication does the trick. Dr. Golowa may recommend hormone therapy, for example, in the form of progesterone or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone drug.

In rare cases, a hysterectomy – or the removal of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries –  treats PCS. Numerous less invasive options are available as well. Dr. Golowa specializes in gonadal vein embolization.

How gonadal vein embolization works

Gonadal vein embolization reduces pressure on varicose veins in your pelvis. During the procedure, Dr. Golowa sends chemicals into the problematic vein through a catheter. The chemicals inflame or irritate the veins, which leads to blocked blood flow. Your blood then flows through nearby healthy veins instead.

While individual results vary, GVE has been shown to reduce pelvic congestion syndrome by 68-100% in most patients. This makes it a very promising alternative to a hysterectomy, which leads to ongoing pain up to 30% of the time.

To learn more about gonadal vein embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome, or to find out if you’re a candidate, call our office today. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.