Varicose veins in our body can be localized not only in the legs. The pelvic area is another place where varicose veins can also be. A pathological condition in which there are enlarged veins in the small pelvis, as a rule, appears in women and is accompanied by periodic discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen. In men, small pelvic varices are also found, but which is mainly manifested by the dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele). This pathological process in men can be associated with discomfort, aggravation in the scrotum, pain in intimacy.
According to statistics, small pelvic varicose veins, or as it is otherwise 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, at the age of 18-19 years, varicose veins of the pelvis are detected in 15-18% of women and at the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of varicose veins of the pelvis
The first reason is physical inactivity. It also includes the specifics of the patient's work, "sedentary" or "standing" work. Due to the long stay of a person in orthostasis, venous flow is disturbed and this leads to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically enlarged veins do not adhere more tightly to each other, a gap is created between the valves and blood flows due to the force of gravity. In such veins, the blood thickens and this can then lead to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size, begins to compress the inferior veins. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of circulating blood in the small pelvis increases.
But to soothe women preparing for conception and pregnancy, such varicose veins do not carry a direct risk. With varicose veins of the small pelvis, childbirth is usually not noticeable. 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 birth, these veins decrease significantly and after a year they disappear completely. After birth, small pelvic varicose veins remain in only 2-6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of different 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 taking 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 residential region, air pollution in cities, especially in megacities, increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis
- painful periods;
- recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvic area, radiating to the sacrum, to the lower back, to the perineum;
- pain and discomfort in the vulva or vagina, during and after intimacy;
- abundant mucous discharge from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- noticeable enlargement of venous vessels in the genital area, in the groin. "Asterisks", "mesh" on the buttocks and 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 keep you waiting long.
The first doctor you should see is a gynecologist.
He will perform an examination, will schedule all the necessary examinations. All patients with suspected pelvic varicose veins undergo an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
To clarify the diagnosis, the patient is referred to a phlebologist. They perform duplex ultrasound scan of the lower extremity veins (USDG), which allows you to get a complete view of the venous flow.
In severe cases, a phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI, or diagnostic laparoscopy). These studies are enough to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.
The degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- 1 degree - small pelvic veins up to 5 mm in diameter (damage to any venous plexus of the small pelvis is observed), the flow of the vessel is already taking on a twisted appearance;
- 2 degrees - the size of the veins is from 6 to 10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are visible as in the entire pelvis, and can only affect the ovarian plexus, or the veins in the uterus, or the veins of the myometrium;
- Class 3 is a total small pelvic varicose veins, varicose veins have a diameter of more than 10 - 12 mm.
How to treat pelvic varicose veins?
Medication-free treatments
- The fight against hypodynamics. If work is accompanied by prolonged sitting or standing, do a warm-up after 1 - 1, 5 hours;
- Quitting smoking, alcohol (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wearing compression underwear (socks, tights) to improve venous flow from the lower extremities;
- Wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels;
- Diet (exclusion from the diet salty, spicy, fried). Salty food always retains fluid in the body, which leads to edema, an increase in blood pressure - this way blood flow through the veins deteriorates. You need to include in your diet more fiber (fruits, vegetables, herbs);
- Contrast shower (especially on thigh, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Drug treatment
- Phlebotonics - to improve the tone of varicose veins, to reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - to improve blood flow from varicose veins, to increase venous tone, to reduce inflammation and edema;
- Vitamin C - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, to reduce their fragility.
Venous gels and ointments are not used in the treatment of varicose veins of the pelvis due to the internal location of the affected veins.
Doctors recommend a mandatory combination of drug therapy with compression stockings (socks, tights). During pregnancy, there is a special need for compression garments.
Surgery
Surgery is an extreme measure used when medical correction is impossible and ineffective, and the disease is very advanced and can cause a range of complications.
Different techniques are used depending on the prevalence, location and diameter of the pathological veins. In the event that surgical intervention is necessary, the choice of the type of surgical assistance is individual, as it all depends on the location and prevalence.