Women with pelvic congestion syndrome experience chronic pelvic pain pelvic varicose veins, and more. Learn about this underrecognized condition from Dr. Mari Tassarotti.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, we’re joined by Dr. Mari Tassarotti, an expert in interventional radiology from Columbia University. We discuss the complexities of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS), a condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain arising from varicose veins in the pelvis. 

We explore why Pelvic Congestion Syndrome remains underrecognized and often misdiagnosed. Dr. Tassarotti shares her insights on PCS diagnosis, innovative treatment options, and why seeking a second opinion can be crucial for patients navigating this condition.

Key Discussion Points

• What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and why is it so hard to get the right diagnosis?  
• Symptoms that distinguish PCS from other conditions and why it's a hidden cause of chronic pelvic pain.
• Questions women should be asking their healthcare providers if concerned about PCS or pelvic varicose veins.
• Pelvic congestion syndrome radiology and other Innovative, minimally invasive PCS treatments that are changing the game for PCS patients, and why these options might be preferable to traditional surgical methods.
• Challenges of getting PCS recognized by the medical community and insurance providers.
• Real-life stories shared by Georgie and Dr. Tassarotti that highlight the profound impact proper diagnosis and treatment can have on women's lives. 

“It's not just about recognizing the condition but understanding the woman's journey to get here. Many have been misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely.” - Dr. Mari Tassarotti

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

• Learn more about Dr. Mari Tassarotti
• Follow Dr. Tassarotti on LinkedIn and Twitter.
• Learn about Interventional Radiology and Pelvic Congestion Embolization
• Looking for an interventional radiologist?  Check out this list from the Society of Interventional Radiology.

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Guest Bio

Dr. Mari Tassarotti is an assistant professor of radiology and an interventional radiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, also attending at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Specializing in a broad range of conditions, her interests focus on hepatic malignancies, uterine fibroids, pelvic congestion syndrome in women, venous disease, and more. 

Her medical training spans Integrated Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, with a medical degree from Georgetown University. She holds a BA from Harvard College.

Beyond patient care, Tassarotti contributes to pelvic congestion syndrome research, advocates for gender diversity in her field, and resides in Manhattan with her family.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

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