Whenever you begin to not feel quite right, you know something is off in your body, but you may not always recognize the issue straight away. We all know what it feels like to have a cough or cold, or even the flu, but what if you had Pelvic Congestion Syndrome? – Chances are it would not be your very first guess.
Because this isn’t a well-known health issue we would like to take a moment and go over the presentation of symptoms so that you become familiar with them. When someone develops PCS, they may notice the following:
If you have PCS you are likely experiencing pelvic pain. It is usually a chronic condition, meaning it lasts longer than 6 months.
Why it occurs: The pain is felt because of accumulated blood located in the veins of the pelvis. This accumulation happens because of damaged veins which then, over time become varicose veins. It is believed that estrogen in excess may be a contributing cause. It can start after a pregnancy and the pain may become worse right around menstruation.
Along with pain women may also have a dull achy feeling that becomes worse by the days end. It is also made more painful with intercourse and you may experience vaginal bleeding, headaches, bloating, watery discharge, mood swings and fatigue. It can be relieved by laying down and resting.
PCS is diagnosed through imaging tests and ultrasonography as well as laparoscopy. It is not always easy to detect in a physical exam. The above tests can help your doctor to confirm a diagnosis.
There is relief
You may be prescribed non-steroidal drugs which are anti-inflammatory or have a procedure performed in which the blood flow is blocked to those veins which are damaged. When the blood no longer pools in diseased veins, the pain diminishes and eventually should disappear altogether.
Concerned you may be living with PCS? If you are in the Tampa are give The West Florida Vein Center a call today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com and schedule an evaluation.
