Modern medicine does not pay much attention to varicose veins of the small pelvis.This problem began to be discussed only in the 80s of the last century.In this regard, the diagnosis of pathology today is difficult.Many specialists in Soviet schools do not understand the treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women.Thus, vascular diseases continue to progress and lead to serious changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
What are pelvic varicose veins?
When we talk about varicose veins of the small pelvis, many people remember hemorrhoids.However, when the subject concerns the female population, the problem takes on global proportions.The intestinal vessels do not necessarily suffer from pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, the absence of hemorrhoids does not guarantee that the patient does not have pelvic varicose veins.
The first mention of pelvic varicose veins in women appeared only in 1975. Initially, surgical methods were used for treatment, which were not justified.
Pelvic varicose veins are an artificial stretching of blood vessels.For some reason, the veins lose their elasticity.As before, they absorb the required amount of blood, but can no longer push it back.As a result, the biological fluid stagnates in the vessels.Walls stretch, thin and become damaged.The disease progresses throughout life and does not appear immediately.Therefore, varicose veins of the pelvis most often occur in women aged 30-40 years.The danger of varicose veins lies in the fact that stagnant processes develop in stretched vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins of the small pelvis significantly reduce the quality of life of women and cause other health problems.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
Since pelvic varicose veins in women began to attract attention relatively recently, the problem is still not fully understood.Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the disease.There are different hypotheses regarding the occurrence of pathology, but none of them have been recognized to date.
The causes of varicose veins in the pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.Observations show that the patients examined had cases of vascular diseases at a young age in their family.
- Bad lifestyle.Vascular diseases develop due to poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other connective tissue components leads to stretching of blood vessels.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people suffer from connective tissue dysplasia and acquire vascular diseases in old age.Among them, around 70% are women.At the same time, experts have not yet learned how to anticipate such changes and effectively prevent varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Risk factors
Varicose veins of the pelvis develop more often in women who:
- have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- spending a lot of time sitting;
- do not live an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffer from varicose veins of the lower limbs;
- having given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins of the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins have symptoms.Many women have been unaware of their illness for many years and suddenly discover it.Some present clinical manifestations but associate them with other pathologies.Due to the difficult diagnosis and little attention paid to this pathology, doctors often make mistakes in making a diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of abdominal pain and the doctor reveals inflammation of the appendages, but in reality the symptom is caused by varicose veins.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain in the lower segment of the abdominal cavity, radiating to the sacrum or leg;
- discomfort during sex;
- a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower limbs;
- increase in platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, then this disorder should be ruled out.For this purpose, clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Pelvic varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins of the pelvis can cause pregnancy in women because blood circulation in the pelvis is impaired.If the disease affects the gonads, their functioning changes.However, in most cases, varicose veins do not prevent conception, but can cause problems during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, patients with varicose veins of the small pelvis should be given special attention.During the period of gestation, various problems with blood supply to the placenta are possible, which lead to irreversible consequences on the development of the fetus.With an increased level of platelets in the blood, women need injections of blood thinning medications to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
The doctor is able to suspect varicose veins of the small pelvis in a woman from the first examination.The gynecologist compares symptoms, assesses risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.On palpation, the patient feels pain in the pelvic region.If varicose veins are present on the external genitalia or inner thigh, it is very likely that the problem is also present in the pelvis.To confirm the pathology, clinics use equipment and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pelvis, specialists often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, the latest ultrasound machines allow veins to be examined.With varicose veins, they are tortuous and dilated, and also have an unnatural location.
- Dopplerography of blood vessels.The diagnosis assesses the state of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.With varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is detected in the iliac veins of the ovary and uterus.
- Laparoscopy.Using an optical system, surgeons examine the inside of the abdominal wall, the surface of the uterus and the appendages.
- Tomography.A computer or magnetic study using a contrast agent allows you to examine in detail the location of the veins and see the areas of their expansion.
Additionally, laboratory tests may be used.For the differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes additional examinations, depending on the results obtained.
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women
In the absence of pronounced changes in the veins, patients are prescribed drug treatment.Venotonics and anticoagulants are used and vitamin therapy is recommended.Typically, one to four courses are offered over the course of a year.With varicose veins of the pelvis, it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient of painful symptoms.
Treatment of vascular pathologies is necessarily supplemented by lifestyle correction.It is important to reduce cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, follow proper nutrition and give up bad habits.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to regularly consult a phlebologist.If necessary, the doctor will prescribe unscheduled examinations.During pregnancy, in the second half of the gestation period, medications can be used to maintain the tone of the veins, but only as prescribed by a doctor.Medications prescribed during pregnancy are first evaluated based on the expected benefits and possible risks.
Treatment in clinic
If there are no results after outpatient treatment, hospitalization may be recommended.Correction of pelvic varicose veins in the clinic is carried out surgically.Modern surgery uses minimally invasive techniques - sclerotherapy, laser coagulation and others.If the need arises, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no single treatment regimen for pelvic varicose veins.An individual approach is selected for each woman.During the treatment process, the diet can be modified based on an evaluation of the results obtained.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the small pelvis must be done from an early age.It is a mistake to believe that this pathology is found in middle-aged women and does not threaten young girls.Varicose veins begin to develop several years before the clinical picture appears.Prevention of vascular disorders is therefore necessary for everyone.
Recommended :
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to good nutrition;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid Check-up diagnostic programs, offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect pelvic varicose veins, you should contact a gynecologist and phlebologist.