Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar disorder of the lower extremities, are not always visible, but are very harmful to health.May lead to deterioration of blood flow in internal organs and disruption of their function.
Difference between varicose veins and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good condition, allowing it to maintain blood flow.
The walls contract, but not as much as in the arteries.This effect is reinforced by contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All the veins located below the heart, that is to say in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have valves on their walls.These are “pockets” formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located in such a way that blood flowing to the heart passes unhindered.With a retrograde movement, it fills the valves and closes the container.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo a number of changes in the valve apparatus.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions conducive to blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid bypasses, causing healthy vessels to overflow.And also causing disturbances of tone 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 most visible, which creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs remains asymptomatic for a long time.
It is most dangerous for the female reproductive organs, less often for the bladder.Varicose veins of the rectum manifest as hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins of the pelvis can have various causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, deterioration of its function.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can lead to vessel rupture and bleeding.
Reasons
Refers to multifactorial, i.e. 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;
- heavy physical work.
The presence of one or more unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk of such pathology.
Women with children are more sensitive to it than men.
The first signs generally 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 often asymptomatic, may be temporary, requiring repeated examination.
- Medium degree - expansion of large veins of the parametrium - the outer wall of the uterus, or myometrium - the muscular wall.Causes menstrual irregularities and poor health.
- Severe degree – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.Causes serious disorders in the sexual sphere, high risk of illness and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the early stages, it most often occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital area, heaviness and pain appear.
These sensations change in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They can 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 arise during conception and pregnancy.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of them is a gynecological examination.Identifies dilated veins on the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.Its data can indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, cervical erosion.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is to allow the detection of dilation of the parametrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more comprehensive information on the state of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, an MRI, a vaginal smear, a blood test for sex hormones and a 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, a consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
As the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can also join in its treatment if necessary.
Therapeutic methods
Before starting treatment, you must 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 therapeutic methods are used at once, which makes it more effective.
Drug treatment
Includes taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall - Hesperidin, Diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the tissues of the vascular wall, the following are prescribed:
- Ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Rutin.
Their use is allowed even during pregnancy and after childbirth, if the first symptoms appear then.
Also, the doctor may recommend anticoagulant drugs - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is allowed only after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefits outweigh possible harm.
Compression and sclerosing therapy
Compression tights and belts are worn to prevent complications from varicose veins.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
As a result, normal or near-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 of introducing 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 constriction.Blood flow stops there completely.
This procedure can be performed during the 2-3rd trimester of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications.
Functioning
Surgical treatment involves removing the affected area.It can be performed 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 uterus from the fallopian tubes.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic exercise
These are exercises that help improve blood circulation and reduce venous stagnation.The most effective:
- “birch”;
- back arch in knee-elbow position;
- exercises to raise the legs and the sacral area.
They promote the flow of blood due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than inpatient therapy, but they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal plants are used - willow, oak branches, cudweed and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood circulation.
Recommendations for prevention
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors affecting venous outflow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, make time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Prevention of disease during pregnancy is of particular importance.During this time, be sure to monitor both your diet and your physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.