When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate this disease with internal organs. Most often, the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the share of varicose veins in the pelvic veins, which are not visible to armed gaze, accounts for at least 5% of the total share of vascular disease, and most patients learn the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing age. They have pelvic varicose veins accompanied by symptoms resembling gynecological inflammation, consequences of hormonal disturbances and pathologies of the genitourinary system. This is why the disease has not been treated for a long time and continues to progress, leading to serious complications, including life-threatening complications.
Causes and risk factors
By varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors understand a change in the structure of the vascular walls characteristic of other types of diseases - a weakening followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" insidefrom which the blood stagnates. Cases where only the vessels of the pelvic organs are affected are extremely rare. In about 80% of patients, with this form, signs of varicose veins of the inguinal veins and vessels of the lower extremities are observed.
The incidence of varicose veins of the small pelvis is more pronounced in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological features suggesting a tendency to weaken the venous walls:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
- increased pressure in the small pelvis, which is typical of pregnancy;
- periods of more active filling of the veins with blood, including cyclical menstrual periods, during pregnancy, as well as during intercourse.
All of the above phenomena belong to the category of factors provoking varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. The greatest number of female patients face varicose veins of the small pelvis during pregnancy, since there is a simultaneous superposition of provoking factors. According to statistics, in men, varicose veins of the small pelvis are 7 times less common than in women. Their set of provoking factors is more diverse:
- hypodynamia - long-term preservation of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially dragging weights;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or a lucid refusal to have sex.
A genetic predisposition can also lead to the pathology of the plexuses located inside the small pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are most often diagnosed in women whose relatives suffer from this disease. The first changes in them can be observed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varices in women with pelvic vessel involvement is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, pelvic varicose veins are accompanied by severe but nonspecific symptoms. Often the manifestations of this disease are considered signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with pelvic vessel damage are:
- Pain in the lower abdomen unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Their intensity depends on the stage of the venous lesion and the extent of the process. For the 1st degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis, periodic, mild pain, extending to the lower back, is characteristic. In the later stages, it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back, and is long lasting and very intense.
- Profuse mucous discharge. The so-called leucorrhea does not have an unpleasant smell, does not change color, which would indicate infection. The discharge volume increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea. Even before the onset of menstruation, the pain in women increases, until the onset of difficulty in walking. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable and spread to the entire pelvic area, perineum, lower back, and even thighs.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins in the groin in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and in the vagina and is characterized by a dull ache. It can be observed at the end of intercourse. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings.
As with varicose veins of the small pelvis in men, the female part of patients with such a diagnosis gradually loses interest in sex. The cause of the dysfunction is both constant discomfort and a decrease in the production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility can occur.
How are pelvic varicose veins treated?
When women develop symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The main direction of treatment is to restore vascular tone, strengthen their walls and improve blood circulation in the pelvic area.
For pelvic varicose veins, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the small pelvis are detected in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and a gynecologist are involved in the treatment.
The therapy of the disease requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative impact. Consists of regular and long-term medication. Using this method, you can cure pelvic varicose veins at an early stage, when the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Treatment without medication. Consists of respect for the daily routine, exercise. The method is considered auxiliary, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective, as well as when a disease is detected at later stages.
Drug treatment consists of taking several groups of drugs that can not only eliminate the unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, which are designed to improve venous flow;
- A drug which reduces blood density, which is prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex remedy to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation designed to reduce edema, eliminate inflammation;
- A vitamin complex designed to strengthen the venous walls.
It is not recommended to take almost all venotonic medications for small pelvic varicose veins during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, the doctor may prescribe them in minimal doses from 12 weeks gestation.
Surgery to the varicose vessels in the pelvic organs is considered a last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged use of drugs. The methods of surgical treatment used may differ depending on the location of the vessels damaged by the disease:
- if only the internal veins are affected, the ovarian vein is ligated;
- with a combination of varicose veins of the pelvic organs with varicose veins of the perineum, the surgeon performs ligation of the vena cava;
- With a combination of varicose veins in the small pelvis and on the lower extremities, a crossectomy is performed.
Before and after the procedure, women should undergo medication, wear compression garments and follow a strict weight loss regimen.
Prevention
Preventing relapses and reducing the risk of progression are just as important as treatment. It is about exercising for pelvic varicose veins and following a special diet. With their help, it is possible:
- to reduce weight, that is, to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming;
- reduce the risk of other complications.
In the set of exercises for varicose veins of the small pelvis, you can include the classic "Birch" and "Scissors with feet", "Bike" and lifting on the toes from a standing position. Such loads stimulate the outflow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which helps reduce the swelling of the veins. It is necessary to regularly practice gymnastics with varicose veins of the small pelvis, preferably every day, morning and evening.
The peculiarities of the diet for varicose veins of the small pelvis consist in the inclusion in the diet of foods rich in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve bowel function and relieve congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the walls of the veins, reducing the viscosity of the blood. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- whole grain cereals - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
- skinless chicken or turkey fillets;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh fruit juice, compotes.
It is necessary to eat in a fractional way, giving preference to boiled, baked and baked dishes, salads with fresh vegetables.
Complications
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, the list of situations in which varicose veins of the small pelvis are dangerous in women includes a greater number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other exclusively vascular complications, the following events may occur against the background of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This is not the only danger of varicose veins in the small pelvis. Since the disease is often exacerbated during pregnancy, there is a threat not only to the woman, but also to the fetus. The main complication of this form of varicose veins, which progresses against the background of pregnancy, is the delay in fetal development. Women with this diagnosis are more likely to give birth to a premature baby with low weight, underdeveloped lungs, etc.
During childbirth with varicose veins in the groin, the walls of the vessel may rupture. It is fraught with heavy blood loss and can sometimes have sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors tend to order women with pelvic varicose veins for a cesarean section followed by venous ligation.