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 proportion of varicose veins of the pelvic veins, which are not visible to the armed eye, accounts for at least 5% of the total share of vascular disease, and most patients learn about the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing age. They have varicose veins of the pelvis accompanied by symptoms resembling gynecological inflammation, the consequences of hormonal disorders 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 ones.
Causes and risk factors
With varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors mean a change in the structure of the walls of blood vessels characteristic of other types of disease - weakening followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" within which the blood stagnates. Cases when only the vessels of the pelvic organs are affected are extremely rare. In about 80% of patients, along 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 pelvis is more pronounced in women. This is due to the anatomical and physiological features that suggest 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 most active venous filling, including cyclical menstrual periods, during pregnancy, as well as during sex.
All the above phenomena belong to the category of factors that provoke varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. The largest number of patients face varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy, as there is a simultaneous stratification of provocative factors. According to statistics, among men, varicose veins of the pelvis are 7 times less common than between the fair sex. Their set of provocative factors is more diverse:
- hypodynamics - long-term maintenance of low physical activity;
- increases physical activity, especially weight lifting;
- mbipesha;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or sober refusal to have sex.
A genetic predisposition can also lead to pathology of the plexuses located within the small pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are most often diagnosed in women whose relatives suffered from this disease. The first changes in them can be noticed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing veins with inguinal varicose veins in women with the involvement of pelvic vessels is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital venous weakness.
Typical symptoms
In women, varicose veins of the pelvis are associated with severe but not specific symptoms. Often, manifestations of this disease are considered signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with the involvement of pelvic vessels are:
- Non-menstrual pain in the lower abdomen. Their intensity depends on the stage of venous damage and the degree of the process. For the first degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis, is characterized by periodic pain, mild, extending to the lower back. In the later stages, it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back and is stable and very intense.
- Abundant discharge of mucosa. The so-called leucorrhoea has no unpleasant odor, does not change color, which would indicate an infection. The discharge volume increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Even before the onset of menstruation, the pain in women increases, until the appearance of difficulties with walking. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable, spreading to the entire pelvic area, perineum, lower back and even the thighs.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins in the groin in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and vagina and is characterized as a dull pain. It can be noticed at the end of sexual intercourse. In addition, the disease is associated with increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings.
As with varicose veins of the pelvis in men, the female part of patients with such a diagnosis is gradually losing interest in sex. The dysfunction is caused by both constant anxiety and decreased production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility can occur.
How are pelvic varicose veins treated?
If women experience symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen their walls and improve blood flow to the pelvic area.
For varicose veins of the pelvis, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the pelvis are detected in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and gynecologist are involved in the treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative influence. It consists of regular and long-term medicines. Using this method, you can cure pelvic varicose veins at an early stage when the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Drug therapy. It consists of adhering to the daily routine, exercise. The method is considered helpful, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. Used when other methods are ineffective, as well as when a disease is detected in later stages.
Medication therapy involves taking certain groups of medications that can not only eliminate the unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, which are designed to improve venous outflow;
- A medicine that reduces the density of the blood, which has been prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex medicine for reducing unpleasant symptoms and strengthening blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation created to reduce edema, eliminate inflammation;
- A vitamin complex created to strengthen venous walls.
Almost all venotonic drugs for varicose veins of the pelvis are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, your doctor may prescribe them in minimal doses from 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgery for varicose veins in the pelvic organs is considered a last resort. Used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged use of medication. The methods of surgical treatment used may vary 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 the connection of the kava vein;
- with a combination of varicose veins in the pelvis and lower extremities, a crossctomy is performed.
Before and after the intervention, women should undergo drug therapy, wear compression garments, and follow a strict weight loss diet.
Prevention
Preventing inflammation and reducing the risk of progression is just as important as therapeutic measures. It includes training for varicose veins of the pelvis and following a special diet. With their help it is possible:
- to reduce weight, i. e. to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improve blood flow;
- reduce the likelihood of blood clotting;
- reduce the risk of other complications.
In the group of exercises for varicose veins of the pelvis, you can include the classics "Birch" and "Scissors with legs", "Bicycle" and raising the toes from a standing position. Such loads stimulate blood flow from the pelvis, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps reduce swelling of the veins. It is necessary to perform gymnastics with varicose veins of the small pelvis regularly, preferably every day, morning and evening.
Dietary features for varicose veins include the inclusion in the diet of foods high in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve bowel function and eliminate congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the walls of the veins, to reduce blood viscosity. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- whole grains - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
- skinless fillets or turkey;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh juices, compote.
it is necessary to eat in part, giving preference to boiled, stewed and baked dishes, salads from fresh vegetables.
Complications
In contrast to varicose veins of the legs, the list of situations in which varicose veins of the 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 may occur in the background of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding; infertility
- .
This is not the only risk of varicose veins in the pelvis. Since the disease often worsens 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 birth with varicose veins in the groin, the walls of the vessel may rupture. It is fraught with abundant blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors are inclined to prescribe women with varicose veins of the pelvis a cesarean section followed by ligation of the veins.