Varicose veins in our body can be localized not only on the legs. Another place where varicose veins can be found is the pelvic area. A pathological condition in which there are dilated veins in the small pelvis, as a rule, occurs in women and is accompanied by discomfort and periodic aching pain in the lower abdomen. In men, varicose veins of the small pelvis are also found, but it is mainly manifested by the expansion of the veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele). This pathological process in humans can be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness in the scrotum, pain in intimacy.
According to statistics, varicose veins of the small pelvis, or as it is also called - chronic pelvic pain syndrome, occurs mainly in young women - from 18 to 48 years old. The number of patients with this disease increases several times with age. The statistics are disappointing. So, by the age of 18-19 years, varicose veins of the small pelvis are detected in 15-18% of women, and by the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
The first reason is physical inactivity. It also includes the specificity of the patient's work, "sedentary" or "standing" work. Due to the long stay of a person in orthostasis, venous outflow is disturbed and this leads to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves of pathologically dilated veins no longer adhere tightly to each other, a space is formed between the valves, and blood is drained due to the force of gravity. In these veins, the blood thickens, which can later lead to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size, begins to press on the underlying veins. In addition, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of blood circulating in the small pelvis increases.
But, in order to calm women who are preparing for conception and pregnancy, such varicose veins do not present a direct danger. With varicose veins of the small pelvis, childbirth is usually unremarkable. An unpleasant moment - in 30-40% of pregnant women there is an enlargement of the veins of the vulva and perineum. But we must remember that immediately after childbirth, these veins decrease significantly and completely disappear after a year. After childbirth, varicose veins of the small pelvis remain in only 2 to 6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of various types of gynecological pathologies, for the treatment of which hormonal drugs are used.
The fourth reason is smoking. It is very dangerous to smoke while taking hormonal contraceptives. Smoking thickens the blood just like hormonal contraceptives. Hence the many ridiculous accidents known in medicine, when smoking girls who took hormonal contraceptives died of thrombosis.
The fifth reason is obesity. With excess body weight, the load on the vessels increases significantly.
The sixth reason is the ecological situation in the region of residence, air pollution in cities, especially in megalopolises, increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- painful periods;
- recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvic region, radiating to the sacrum, lower back, perineum;
- pain and discomfort in the vulva or vagina, during and after intimacy;
- profuse mucous discharge from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- visible expansion of venous vessels in the genital area, in the groin. "Asterisks", "mesh" on the buttocks and the back of the thighs.
What to do if you have symptoms of pelvic varicose veins?
If you find all of the above in yourself, then do not delay a visit to the doctor, otherwise the possible complications will not make you wait for a long time.
The first doctor you should see is a gynecologist.
He will conduct an examination, appoint all necessary examinations. All patients with suspected pelvic varicose veins undergo ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
To clarify the diagnosis, the patient is referred to a phlebologist. They perform a duplex ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities (USDG), which allows you to get a complete picture of the venous flow.
In difficult cases, a phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy). To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the degree of the disease, these studies are enough.
The degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- 1 degree - veins of the small pelvis up to 5 mm in diameter (damage to any venous plexus of the small pelvis is noted), the course of the vessel already takes on a tortuous appearance;
- 2 degrees - the size of the veins is 6-10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are visible both throughout the small pelvis and may only affect the ovarian plexus, or the veins of the uterus, or the veins of the myometrium;
- Grade 3 is a total of varicose veins of the small pelvis, varicose veins have a diameter of more than 10 to 12 mm.
How to treat pelvic varicose veins?
Non-drug treatments
- Fight against hypodynamia. If the work is associated with prolonged sitting or standing, conduct a warm-up after 1 to 1. 5 hours;
- Stop smoking, alcohol (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wearing compressive underwear (stockings, tights) to improve venous flow from the lower limbs;
- Wear comfortable shoes, avoid high heels;
- Diet (exclusion of salty, spicy, fried diet). Salty foods still retain fluid in the body, resulting in edema, increased blood pressure - thus, the flow of blood in the veins worsens. You must include more fiber (fruits, vegetables, herbs) in your diet;
- Contrast shower, (especially in the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Medical treatment
- Phlebotonic - to improve the tone of varicose veins, reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - to improve the flow of blood from varicose veins, increase the tone of the veins, reduce inflammation and edema;
- Vitamin C - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce their fragility.
Venous gels and ointments are not used in the treatment of pelvic varicose veins due to the internal location of the affected veins.
Doctors recommend a mandatory combination of drug therapy with the wearing of compression stockings (stockings, tights). During pregnancy, there is a particular need for compression garments.
Operation
Surgery is an extreme measure which is used when medical correction is impossible and ineffective, and the disease is very advanced and can lead to a number of complications.
Different techniques are used depending on the prevalence, location and diameter of the pathological veins. In the event that surgical intervention is required, the choice of the type of surgical aid is individual, since it all depends on the localization and prevalence.