Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar disease in the lower extremities, are not always noticeable, but are very harmful to health.It can cause impaired blood flow to internal organs and impaired function.
Difference between varicose veins and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good shape, allowing it to maintain blood flow.
The walls contract, although not as much as in the arteries.This effect is enhanced by contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All veins located below the heart, that is, in the extremities, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have valves in their walls.They are “bags” formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located in such a way that the blood flowing to the heart passes without obstacles.With retrograde motion, fill the valves and close the glass.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo a series of changes in the valvular apparatus.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid is diverted, causing healthy vessels to overflow.And also causing tone alterations that are already in them.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any area of the body.
Manifestations of pathology on the legs are more noticeable: this creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs is asymptomatic for a long time.
It is more dangerous for the female reproductive organs and less common for the bladder.Varicose veins of the rectum manifest as hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins in the pelvis can have several causes.The disease causes a disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, a deterioration in its function.
A woman may notice changes in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.The physical impact can cause ruptured vessels and bleeding.
Reasons
It refers to multifactorial, that is, it arises due to a combination of several reasons.Among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- hard physical work.
The presence of one or even several unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk of such pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible than men.
The first signs usually appear around age 40 or at the end of pregnancy.The actual appearance of the pathology occurs much earlier.
Degrees
There are three degrees of development of varicose veins:
- Mild degree: damage to one or more peripheral vessels of the genital organs.Most of the time it is asymptomatic, it may be temporary and require repeated examinations.
- Medium grade: expansion of the large veins of the parametrium, the outer lining of the uterus, or of the myometrium, the muscular lining.It causes menstrual irregularities and poor health.
- Severe degree: varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.It causes serious disorders in the sexual sphere, a high risk of diseases and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the injury.In the initial stages, it most often occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching, heaviness and pain appear in the external genital area.
These sensations change in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may intensify during bleeding and weaken a few days later.
A woman may notice that her periods have become more painful and heavier.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems with conception and pregnancy arise.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of them is a gynecological examination.Identify dilated veins in the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.Its data may indirectly indicate the cause: endometriosis, cervical erosion.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows the detection of dilation of the parametrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information about the state of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, an MRI, vaginal smear, blood test for sex hormones, and diagnostic curettage are prescribed.
Which specialist should I contact for help?
The treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
Since the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can also join your treatment if necessary.
Therapy methods
Before starting treatment, it is advisable to undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of other disorders.
For greater efficiency, an integrated approach is used.Several therapy methods are used at once, which makes it more successful.
Pharmacological treatment
It includes taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall: hesperidin, diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the vascular wall tissue, the following is prescribed:
- ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Routine.
Its use is allowed even during pregnancy and after childbirth, if at that time the first symptoms appeared.
Additionally, the doctor may recommend anticoagulant medications: acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, its use is allowed only after consulting with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefit outweighs the possible harm.
Compression and sclerosing therapy.
Compression stockings and belts are used to prevent complications from varicose veins.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
Due to this, normal or close to normal venous flow is maintained throughout the pelvis.The degree of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear such underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure to introduce a special drug into the vessels that stimulates a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete obstruction of the damaged vein and its transformation into a constriction.The blood flow stops completely.
This procedure can be performed in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment consists of removing the affected area.It can be done in several ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases it is necessary to perform a partial resection of the ovary.And sometimes complete removal of the fallopian tubes from the uterus.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
therapeutic exercise
These are exercises that help improve blood flow and reduce venous stagnation.The most effective:
- "birch";
- arch your back in the knee-elbow position;
- Exercises to elevate the legs and sacral area.
They promote blood flow due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than therapy in a hospital, however, they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this, baths with medicinal plants are used: willow, oak branches, cudweed and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood flow.
Recommendations for prevention
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors affecting venous flow.But you can reduce its influence.For example, take time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Of particular importance is the prevention of the disease during pregnancy.During this period, be sure to monitor both nutrition and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.