Chronic uterine pain syndrome is also known as varicose veins of the pelvic organs or varicose veins in the uterus. This disease is more common in women of childbearing age, it is difficult to diagnose and can be almost asymptomatic, but its signs should be known to avoid a misdiagnosis of female diseases.
What are varicose veins of the uterus?
Varicose veins are the congestion of blood in the veins, which has caused the loss of their elasticity due to hormonal changes or genetic predisposition. The vessels of the lower extremities and pelvic organs are more susceptible to disease. Varicose veins of the small pelvis are more dangerous than the manifestation of a similar disease on the legs, since it cannot be determined visually, and infertility, inflammation of the ovaries, uterus and vagina can become a consequence of internal varicose veins.
Causes of varicose veins in the small pelvis.
There are several theories about the appearance of this pathology in women of childbearing age. Pregnancy is considered to be the main trigger for varicose veins in the uterus. Conditions appear for the progression of the disease:
- an increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood, which relaxes the walls of blood vessels;
- an increased load on the pelvic organs (OMT), a violation of their normal blood supply;
- reverse blood flow through the ovarian vein;
- chronic inflammatory processes of the uterus, appendages;
- artificial termination of pregnancy.
Not all pregnant women are at this risk. this disease is genetically determined. Before planning a pregnancy, it is imperative to undergo a serious examination to exclude risks to your health and possible complications during delivery. Varicose veins of the uterus are detected by ultrasound diagnostics and confirmation of the diagnosis by transuterine phlebography, ovariography.
Symptoms of varicose veins
The disease can be identified mainly by two symptoms:
- chronic pain in the lower abdomen, aggravated by physical exertion, during intercourse, in the second half of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy;
- increased vaginal discharge
The pain intensifies if a woman leads an inactive sedentary lifestyle, during the inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. Varicose veins of the uterus are often closely associated with sexual dysfunction. Symptoms may be mild or absent, depending on the stage of the disease:
- the first stage - the size of the vein (diameter) up to 5 mm, the tortuous course of the vessels (minor symptoms);
- the second - a vein up to 10 mm, varicose enlargement of the parametric veins of the uterus;
- the third - a diameter of more than 10 mm, a total type of varicose veins.
What is dangerous during pregnancy?
If the diagnosis is made before conception, during pregnancy, symptoms may worsen due to hormonal changes. Many women wonder why varicose veins are dangerous and how to treat them during pregnancy. If a woman is under the constant supervision of a doctor and monitors her health, the violation of blood flow during pregnancy is not dangerous. In rare cases, varicose veins of the small pelvis can be a reason to prescribe a cesarean section, less often, it can cause placental insufficiency.
Diet for varicose veins
In the treatment and prevention of varicose veins of various etiologies, nutrition plays a very important role. Doctors recommend giving up coffee and strong tea and limiting the use of sugar and salt. It will be useful to complete the diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils. Such a diet has a beneficial effect on blood flow, the condition of the walls of blood vessels, prevents stagnation of fluid in the body, which relieves the load on the veins. It is important for pregnant women to limit the amount of fluid they drink, as hormone levels cause blood to stagnate.
Treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Having identified the signs of varicose veins, after confirming the diagnosis, patients begin to be treated conservatively with the help of drugs and physiotherapy. If the treatment does not improve and the pain persists, they resort to surgery. An important question for many is how to treat varicose veins during pregnancy. At this time, a woman must be under the supervision of a physician in supportive therapy and, after delivery, to undergo intensive treatment.
Taking venotonics
The first thing to treat varicose veins of the uterus in stage 1-2 is venotonic. The phlebologist appoints them after a thorough examination. Venotonic medications are prescribed. Taking pills lasts two to three months under the supervision of a doctor. During this time, the pain of the OMT should be significantly reduced, the pain syndrome during menstruation should decrease. It is better to combine such treatment with gymnastics to improve health.
Training
Mandatory physical activity involves long walks and unloading exercises that relax the cervix and perineum muscles; these are "birch", "bicycle" exercises. Special therapeutic breathing exercises are helpful, including deep breathing with the inclusion of muscles in the lower abdomen. The use of compression underwear and stockings that support the legs, perineal vascular plexuses, and buttocks is also shown. An additional beneficial effect is provided by a contrast shower.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
If drug treatment does not help, the pain is not relieved, or the third stage of varicose veins of the small pelvis is diagnosed, a surgical intervention is provided, the degree of which is selected, taking into account the location of the reverse blood flow:
- ligation of the ovarian vein;
- ovarian vein embolization;
- angiography (administration of contrast agents);
- open removal of the gonadal veins.
If the patient's varicose veins are observed not only in the pelvic organs, but also in the legs, then the Troyanov-Trendelenburg operation is used, which consists in removing the great saphenous vein. This method is common in the fight against the third stage of varicose veins of the uterus and total venous dilation. With early diagnosis, it is possible to avoid surgical intervention, to stop its development in the early stages. It is necessary to exclude factors accompanying varicose veins and complications:
- of smoking;
- alcohol;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- self-medication during hormonal changes, gynecological diseases;
- improper nutrition.