Approximately one-third of women will develop chronic pelvic pain over the course of their lifetime. Women who have had at least one child are at an increased risk of developing pelvic congestion system and it is very often both overlooked and under-diagnosed.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is the name for the condition that causes chronic pelvic pain and is caused by enlarged veins in the pelvic area with the main symptom being chronic pelvic pain for at least six months that gets worse throughout the day or when one sits or lies down.
The pain caused by PCS is oftentimes so unbearable that it interferes with the way that they live their lives. While the causes of PCS are unknown, possible anatomic or hormonal abnormalities could be increased risk factors for women between the ages of 20 and 45. Possibly due to hormonal changes and weight gain — oftentimes caused by pregnancy—PCS occurs when increased pressure in the ovarian veins causes the vein wall to weaken leading to chronic dilation.
Normally functioning veins will push the blood from the pelvis back up to the heart. However, when the veins in the pelvis dilate leading to improper closure, there is a risk of backward blood flow and pooling of blood in the pelvis. This stagnant blood causes the symptoms like heaviness and pain.
How is PCS diagnosed?
While PCS is not easily diagnosed, Dr. Ayad Agha has some of the greatest experience in the world in both treating and diagnosing women with PCS.
This is a life-changing fact as the pain from PCS is often misunderstood leading to an overdiagnosis of other pathologies that could promote over treatments like complete uterine removal. Pelvic congestion syndrome can be diagnosed through ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic region to visualize the reflux in the veins, with computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
IYA Medical is equipped with both the technologies and the expertise of this silent pathology and changes the way that these women live their lives. CT and MRI are both used to look at the abnormal veins within the pelvis and also obtain other necessary imaging to see if there are other abnormalities n the surrounding structures. The most definitive modality for the diagnosis of PCS is through a minimally invasive procure utilizing a catheter (tube) starting at either the groin or neck and utilizing an image-guided technique, the catheter is guided into the ovarian veins to obtain images with contrast.
How is PCS treated?
Once diagnosed properly, PCS can be treated through the same pelvic venography described above. This non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure is a quality-of-life saver and it’s called pelvic embolization.
Dr. Agha has mastered this technique and will either perform a series of these surgeries or will treat all of the veins at once.
At IYA Medical, the team is dedicated to ensuring that neither the quantity of life or quality of life of the patients is compromised. Dr. Agha has dedicated his entire life to ensuring that his patients receive the very best outcomes.
Through this treatment that Dr. Agha has perfected, patients are able to finally get their lives back and are still able to maintain their child-bearing abilities. As this is an outpatient procedure, there is little to no downtime as one may expect with a typical procedure.
However, at IYA Medical, our expert staff will stop at nothing to ensure the health and happiness of our patients.
About the Practice
Blending interventional and diagnostic radiology and primary care services with aesthetic medicine and spa treatments, IYA Medical in Scottsdale, Arizona, helps its patients achieve beauty, health, and happiness. Using scientifically proven products and treatments, the highly experienced and educated team of doctors helps you feel better from the inside out.
At IYA Medical, patients receive access to a combination of medical services and advanced treatments in a comfortable, state-of-the-art facility.
Committed to reducing the length of hospital stays, IYA Medical’s interventional radiology services, with advanced imaging, allow the team to precisely treat complex conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease with minimally invasive options.
The doctors offer back pain management, diagnosis, and treatment for joint pain, pelvic pain, and leg pain, including varicose vein removal, and offer the option of ports and catheters for long-term dialysis or chemotherapy treatment using minimally invasive solutions and image-guided surgery techniques.
For patient convenience, concierge medicine services give round-the-clock access to doctors and more exclusive benefits. Learn more about the medical services available at IYA Medical by calling the practice or to schedule an appointment (480) 750-8130.
About Dr. Agha
Dr. Ayad Agha, DO brings an unmatched background including a fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Interventional Oncology from the University of California-San Diego, a Doctorate of Pharmacy from The Ohio State University, a Masters in Nuclear Pharmacy from the University of Southern California, and a Medical Degree from Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Agha is certified by the American Board of Radiology, an associate professor of diagnostic and interventional radiology at the University of Arizona Medical School, a clinical professor of the health and science department at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University and a medical consultant with product design in the field of interventional radiology.
A popular and renowned Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Agha is an expert in cutting-edge medical practice and well versed in utilizing stem cells, genomic testing, and vascular aesthetics.
His presence brings to IYA a host of services that can result in an enhanced quality of life – turning back the clock, whenever possible, on function, energy, and mobility. Among the initial services provided are cosmetic vein treatments, full-body scans as part of detailed wellness care, rejuvenating serums, and pain treatments.
Fellowship-trained and board-certified in vascular and interventional radiology at the University of California San Diego, he offers a unique approach to problem-solving. Dr. Agha has held leadership positions and trains physicians in private and academic settings. A frequent Phoenix Magazine Top Doc, he is at the forefront of the future of medicine and now brings this passion for educating clients and providers to IYA.
A long-time resident of Arizona, he is known as a true force of nature and is anxious to bring a new level of medical cosmetic and other related services to Scottsdale and surrounding communities.
Dr. Ayad Agha holds US patents in Surgical Methods Apparatus Designs, Biopsy Devices, Rotary Indexers, and Methods of Use.