Most people have heard or know about a condition like varicose veins. However, not everyone knows that this pathological process affects not only the vessels of the legs, but can also affect the veins of the pelvic organs, which is especially important for women.
To counter this disease, you must first know what symptoms to look for. But it is also equally important to have an idea of what this type of varicose vein is, why it develops and also what are the ways to deal with it.
The essence of pathology
Varicose veins are a pathology in which a series of pathological changes take place in the vessels, external or internal. First of all, we are talking about deformation, which means the expansion and lengthening of the veins, but in addition to this, there is a thinning of the vascular wall, as well as the development of insufficiency of the valvular system. All these factors lead to a disturbance of the blood circulation in the vascular bed, as a result of which the blood stagnates and the vessels themselves begin to collapse due to excessive pressure.
Pathology poses minimal threat in the early stages, but as it progresses, the risk increases exponentially, especially when it comes to varicose veins in the pelvic area.
In such situations, the blood output from the pelvic organs is disturbed, first of all, it threatens the functioning of the female genital organs, as well as impaired reproductive functions.
Due to the stagnation of varicose veins affected by the pelvic veins, an excessive amount of blood accumulates, which comes from the external and internal genital organs of the pelvis. At the same time, the blood does not "flow" well into the genital vein, a great magisterial vessel. Due to stagnation, edema of internal organs and tissues occurs, an inflammatory process develops, etc.
As long as this form of varicose veins progresses, is accompanied by strong and constant painful sensations, the development of various gynecological diseases, there is a real threat of infertility.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins in women
First of all, it is important to understand that small pelvic varicose veins are primarily affected by women who have reached puberty. The older the age, the greater the probability of developing this disease. If we make an analogy, according to statistics, at 35 years of age varicose veins are diagnosed with a probability of around 50%, while at 20 years this figure barely reaches 20%. Of course, predisposing factors play a very important role.
In general, the following reasons and factors for the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis can be distinguished:
- Genetics: Congenital predisposition is one of the main causes of all types of varicose veins. It is not about the transmission of varicose veins per se, but rather a congenital predisposition to the weakness of the valve system, which is felt over the years. The genetic factor also includes dysplasia or thinning of the vascular walls.
- Very often, varicose veins develop as a result of serious hormonal disorders. It can be a hormonal disturbance during menopause or hormonal problems caused by long-term use of strong hormonal drugs.
- Pregnancy is the reason why women are more likely to develop all forms of varicose veins, especially the small pelvis. This factor is multifaceted, combining both hormonal changes and increased loads, because a growing fetus increases the pressure exerted on the organs and vessels of the pelvic region.
- Excessive exertion: With some probability, varicose veins of the small pelvis can develop if a woman performs hard physical work, is exposed to strenuous workouts, or simply spends a lot of time on her feet due to her professional activities (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons, cooks). . . This can also include being overweight, because obesity leads to a constant increase in the load on the legs and pelvis, and cholesterol affects the condition of the blood vessels.
- The medal also has a drawback, too sedentary and sedentary lifestyle can also lead to varicose veins. The lack of the adequate level of mobility causes stagnant processes in the pelvic region.
- Intimate problems, mainly in relation to sex. This can be a prolonged absence or a systematic premature interruption of sexual intercourse, inability to reach orgasm, etc.
- Various diseases of the genital and intrapelvic organs.
- Pathologies of the cardiovascular system and blood coagulation, such as thrombosis.
Clinical picture
As mentioned above, pelvic varicose veins are not a serious threat in the early stages of development. At the same time, this form of pathology is very difficult to detect, because the main symptom of varicose veins is enlargement of the veins, it is visible mainly on the legs, in the pelvic region, the vessels are shown mainly in the later stages. development and not always.
However, the disease presents certain clinical signs that intensify as varicose veins progress. Consider the clinical picture of the pathology:
- Unpleasant and painful sensations in the lower abdomen. Initially, this symptom is unstable and vague, mild pain rarely bothers, mainly with strong physical exertion during the day. The development of the disease leads to increased pain, they become intense, pulling in nature, they can be constant.
- Painful sensations during menstruation should be noted separately. They appear with the approach of menstruation, the maximum intensity usually falls within 1-2 days of menstruation. In this case, there may be a shortage or, conversely, an excessive abundance of secretions.
- The development of varicose veins in the small pelvis is accompanied by pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. As before, the pain is initially mild, but increases as the disease progresses.
- The pathological process is accompanied by irregularities in the menstrual cycle, this is manifested not only in the scarcity or abundance of secretions, there are delays in menstruation or an increase in the duration of bleeding.
- Itching, burning, swelling may appear in the vagina and external genitalia. The external genital organs and mucous membranes can change color; in the later stages of development, there is cyanosis.
- In some cases, problems urinating are noted, manifested in the inability to completely empty the bladder, painful urination, and sometimes even urinary incontinence.
- In the later stages of the progression of varicose veins in the perineal region, as well as in the external genital organs, veins appear. The vessels are bulging, contoured, often forming vascular "stars. "
- With the severe development of varicose veins, uterine bleeding may begin, the risk of impaired reproductive functions and the development of infertility increases.
Conservative approach to treatment
For a complete treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis, the woman must follow all the recommendations of the doctor, as well as change her lifestyle. First of all, you need to pay attention to the loads, if they are too high, they should be reduced, if the patient leads an excessively sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary to play sports, walk more often, etc.
Patients with varicose veins are strongly advised to adjust their diet, consume as little junk food as possible (fried, smoked, sweet in large quantities, salty), alcohol and caffeine. It is better to give preference to vegetables and fruits, fermented dairy products, cereals.
In addition, as a preventive measure for the progression of the disease and for therapeutic purposes, doctors prescribe the use of compression underwear for patients with varicose veins.
Drug therapy
Despite the importance of the recommendations described above, drug therapy remains the basis of conservative treatment.
It is important to understand that the doctor determines all medications, their dosage, and the duration of administration.
Since the main objective is to normalize blood flow and maintain vascular health, treatment is based on drugs from the following groups:
- Venotonics: they are responsible for toning the blood vessels.
- Anticoagulants: reduce the viscosity of the blood and prevent the formation of clots.
Traditional medicine
Traditional methods of treatment are not as effective, but in combination with drug therapy, they can significantly improve the patient's condition and have a positive effect on the overall treatment. Among the popular methods, the following are especially effective:
- Application of horse chestnut to create special tinctures and creams.
- Application of apple cider vinegar for varicose veins.
- Decoctions of chamomile or larch.
It is important to understand that for the treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis, in traditional medicine, recipes are predominantly used in which decoctions and medicinal infusions are consumed orally. This is due to the fact that not all ointments, and even more so a compress, can be used in the pelvic area.
Operational treatment methods
It is worth recognizing that conservative treatment methods give really visible results mainly in the early stages of varicose veins. At the same time, the problem can be fundamentally solved, and the disease can be completely eliminated only by surgery. In modern medicine, there are many variations of surgical treatment of varicose veins, consider the most common and effective types of operations:
- Sclerotherapy: A special chemical composition is injected into the lumen of the affected vein, which has sclerosing properties, that is, sticking. As a result, the vein is stuck, therefore excluded from circulation and replaced by connective tissues.
- Laparoscopy: small punctures are made in the abdominal cavity, through which, with the help of surgical equipment, the ovarian vein is ligated for the purpose of its subsequent removal.
- Endovascular surgery: The surgeon reaches the affected vessels through the femoral vein, after which, with special equipment, the ovarian vein is embolized.