Vascular Care
Vascular surgeons play an important role in helping women manage vascular conditions related to the transitional phases of menopause and postpartum. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the veins and arteries, including conditions related to pelvic congestion syndrome and varicose veins. These issues are quite common yet often overlooked.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that occurs when there is increased blood flow to the pelvic area, leading to chronic pelvic pain. This condition is often seen in women who have undergone childbirth or are experiencing hormonal changes related to menopause. Vascular surgeons can provide a range of treatments for pelvic congestion syndrome, including embolization, which involves blocking the blood vessels that are causing the increased blood flow.
Varicose veins are a common condition that affects many women, particularly during transitional periods of as menopause and postpartum, often first presenting during pregnancy. Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction in the valves of the veins, which leads to the pooling of blood and the development of bulging, twisted veins. Vascular surgeons can provide a range of treatments for varicose veins, including minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation.
In addition to pelvic congestion syndrome and varicose veins, vascular surgeons can also diagnose and treat other conditions related to transitional moments such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These conditions are often related to hormonal changes or physical changes that occur during menopause and postpartum. They can be easily missed even in the greatest athletes in the world; tennis professional Serena Williams has struggled with these conditions.
At FemStrong, our vascular surgeons work closely with other specialists on our team, such as gynecologists and pelvic pain specialists, to determine the best personalized plan of care. For example, women who are experiencing pelvic pain related to pelvic congestion syndrome may benefit from a combination of treatments, including embolization and physical therapy.
In addition to providing treatment for vascular conditions, vascular surgeons can also provide preventative care to help women manage their vascular health during transitional times. This may include bringing in nutritional guidance on healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and quitting smoking.