Varicose veins are considered a more “feminine” disease, which affects women more often than men, due to gender and genetic characteristics of the structure and functioning of the body.Pathology is accompanied by pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms;it can affect organs other than the legs, threatening the woman's health, so it must be treated immediately.
Reasons
The main causes of female varicose veins of the legs are:
- prolonged wearing of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and restrictive clothing (tight jeans, shapewear);
- overweight, obesity;
- hereditary predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- intense physical activity;
- frequent nervous disorders;
- leg injuries;
- prolonged sitting in a cross-legged position;
- bad habits.
A common cause of the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvic organs is hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself when:
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- menopause;
- menstrual irregularities;
- taking hormonal medications (for example, contraceptives).
Venous congestion of the pelvis also manifests itself by:
- long-term inflammatory process;
- regular interruption of sexual intercourse for a long period, especially in the absence of orgasm;
- frequent constipation;
- abortions;
- difficult childbirth;
- curvature or prolapse of the uterus;
- pelvic tumors.
Signs
The first symptoms of dilated veins of the lower limbs:
- fatigue;
- heaviness in the legs, worsening in the evening;
- burning and swelling;
- the appearance of spider veins and blue mesh.
Without treatment, patients face:
- night cramps;
- itchy skin in affected areas.
At an advanced stage, other signs appear:
- pigment spots concentrated in the lower third of the leg;
- cyanosis (blue discoloration of certain areas of the skin);
- sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs and uterus are characterized by specific symptoms:
- severe, constant or intermittent abdominal pain, which may become intense after ovulation or during menopause;
- menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhea);
- vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
- sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- pressure, heaviness in the pelvic region;
- difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
- swelling of the vulva, vagina;
- venous nodules on the buttocks and perineum.
The intensity and nature of the manifestations are individual.Some women may experience only 2 or 3 symptoms, while others may experience all of the above symptoms.
Why is it dangerous?
Treatment of varicose veins should be carried out in a timely manner, as the disease can cause complications and unpleasant consequences:
- Eczema or trophic ulcers of the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
- Dermatitis on affected areas of the legs.
- Formation of blood clots due to stagnation of blood in the veins.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Pulmonary embolism.The detached thrombus passes through the bloodstream to the pulmonary artery, which threatens a lung infarction or sudden death of a person.
Diseases of the uterus negatively affect the functioning of the endocrine system: in the advanced stage, a decrease in the level of female hormones and ovarian dysfunction is observed, which causes menstrual irregularities.This process often leads to problems conceiving and carrying a child, including infertility.
Pathological expansion of the veins of the pelvic organs is also dangerous:
- uterine bleeding;
- the impossibility of natural childbirth and the threat of spontaneous abortion;
- thrombophlebitis of the uterine walls;
- thrombosis (blockage) of the ovarian veins.
Treatment
Includes medications and physical therapy, compressions, gymnastics and lifestyle changes that will help prevent the development of serious consequences and the need for surgical intervention.
Drugs
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins and lower extremities, regardless of their stage, is impossible without drug treatment.At the initial stage it becomes the basis of treatment, at an advanced stage it complements the set of measures.
- Phlebotonics– strengthen the walls of the veins, reduce the inflammatory process.
- Direct and indirect action anticoagulants– thins the blood, facilitating its circulation in the vessels.The drugs are used under the supervision of a specialist to avoid complications such as bleeding.
- Fibrinolytics– dissolve formed blood clots and reduce blood clotting.
Additional groups of drugs are prescribed taking into account the accompanying symptoms:
- NSAIDs– eliminate pain, relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Female sex hormone preparationswith hormonal disorders.
- Haemostats (coagulants)– hemostatic agents for the treatment of uterine bleeding.
- Antibiotics– prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.
Minimally invasive procedures
- Sclerotherapy– glue the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosing substance to cut off the vessel from blood circulation.The treated area is invaded by fibrous tissue and gradually disappears.
- Laser coagulation– laser welding of dilated veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation– intravascular thermal effect on the vessel walls to seal the lumen.
Functioning
Indicated for the development of complications of the disease and the ineffectiveness of drug treatment.In addition to classic methods of surgical treatment of the lower extremities (various types of phlebectomy), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvis:
- Embolization of varicose veins in the ovary– using a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein and introduced into the affected area, first a contrast agent is administered for material monitoring of the course of the operation, and then an embolized drug, which obstructs the affected vessel.
- Clipping– compression of the pelvic veins with special medical clips.The progress of the procedure is monitored using an endoscope.
- Resection (total or partial removal) of vessels– carried out from the perineum (labia majora area) or the peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the lip line, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of the pathology, venous resection is carried out by several punctures if the lesion is observed in the vagina and vulva.In case of extension to the area of the ovarian vein and the uterus, operations are performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or endoscope.
Physiotherapy
- Hirudotherapy– treatment with leeches.Increases the elasticity of vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents the formation of blood clots, eliminates pain and swelling.
- Massage– increases the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizes the functioning of the valves, strengthens the vein walls, can be carried out only at the initial stage of the development of the disease.
- Gymnastics and exercise therapy– regular training has a positive effect on vascular tone, prevents relapses and alleviates the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: birch, bicycle, squats, scissors.Such gymnastics helps to normalize blood flow and eliminate congestion in blood vessels.Also useful: swimming, jogging, cycling.
- Hardening.Due to the alternation of cold and heat, the tone of the vascular walls increases, blood circulation accelerates, microcirculation in the tissues is restored, the inflow of arterial blood increases, the outflow of the lymphatic and venous systems and metabolic processes are activated.You need to start watering with warm water.
- UHF therapy– exposure to a continuous ultra-high frequency pulsed electric field.It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation and stimulates the immune system.
- Myostimulation– impact on the muscles of low intensity current.Helps increase blood flow speed, eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical procedures are used - electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, pressotherapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.
Compression clothing
The positive effect of special knitwear is due to the uniform redistribution of pressure on the muscles, followed by a light massage of the veins, leading to:
- the speed of blood flow in deep vessels increases;
- stagnation of blood and lymph is eliminated;
- the severity of signs of varicose veins decreases;
- the load on the legs is reduced;
- Complications during pregnancy, childbirth and after operations are avoided.
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, stockings, knee-length socks and elastic bandages are used;in case of damage to the pelvic organs, shorts and tights are used.
Diet
Varicose veins of the legs and pelvis require dietary adjustments to provide dilated and weakened veins with necessary nutrients.Dietary nutrition involves eating large amounts of vegetables and fruits, rich in plant fiber and protein.It is recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.
You need to exclude alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fatty, fried, pickled and smoked foods from the menu, reduce the amount of empty carbohydrates in your diet for weight loss, reduce the load on blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Folk recipes
In the treatment of varicose veins of the legs and pelvis, the use of home remedies in combination with drug treatment is allowed.They can only be used after consulting a doctor.
The most effective plants against varicose veins:
- horse chestnut;
- dandelion;
- Kombucha
Infusions, decoctions for internal and external use and ointments are prepared.
Prevention
Preventive measures are useful not only for women at risk of developing pathology, but also for those who already suffer from varicose veins:
- lead an active lifestyle;
- standardize rest and work schedules;
- use gentle contraceptive methods;
- take a contrast shower;
- perform gymnastic exercises daily;
- eat well;
- consult a massage therapist;
- take preventive courses of venotonics;
- prevent constipation;
- minimize stress.
Particular attention to prevention must be given to pregnant women;according to statistics, pathological dilation of the veins of the pelvic region and lower extremities is observed in 40% of cases.