Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar disorder in the lower extremities, are not always visible, but they are very harmful to health.It can lead to deterioration of blood circulation in the internal organs and interruption of their function.
The difference between varicose veins and healthy ones
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good condition - this allows it to maintain blood flow.
The walls shrink, although not as much as in arteries.This effect is enhanced by smooth and skeletal muscle contractions.
All the veins located below the heart, that is, in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, they have valves in their walls.They are "pockets" formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located in such a way that the blood flowing to the heart passes without obstacles.With 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 for blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid bypasses, causing overflow of healthy vessels.And also provoking concerns of ours 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 in the legs are more visible - this creates an important aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs is asymptomatic for a long time.
It is more 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 different causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood circulation in the reproductive system, and as a result, a deterioration of its function.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can result in ruptured vessels and bleeding.
reason
It refers to multifactorial, i.e.arises due to a combination of a number of reasons.Among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- hard physical work.
The presence of one or even several unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are enlarged.This indicates a high risk of such a pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible to it than men.
The first signs usually appear around the age of 40 or at the end of pregnancy.The actual onset of pathology occurs much earlier.
Diplomas
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, it can be temporary, requiring repeated examination.
- Medium scale - expansion of the large parametrial veins - the outer lining of the uterus, or myometrium - the muscular lining.It causes menstrual irregularities and poor health.
- Severe degree – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.It causes serious disorders in the sexual sphere, high risk of diseases and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the initial stages, it most often appears without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital area, heaviness and pain appear.
These sensations vary in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They can intensify during bleeding and weaken a few days after it.
A woman may notice that her periods have become more painful and heavy.Sexual relations become painful, problems arise with conception and pregnancy.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of them is a gynecological examination.Identifies enlarged veins in the skin, vaginal walls and cervix.Its data can indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, erosion of the cervix.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows detection of enlargement of the parameter, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information about the state of the reproductive system.
In questionable 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?
Treatment is performed by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
Since the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can join in its treatment if necessary.
Therapy methods
Before starting treatment, you should undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease appears against the background of other disorders.
For greater efficiency, an integrated approach is used.Several therapy methods are used at the same time, which makes it more successful.
Drug treatment
Includes taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall - Hesperidin, Diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the tissue of the vascular wall, the following is recommended:
- Ascorbic Acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Routine.
Their use is also allowed during pregnancy and after childbirth, if the first symptoms appear then.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood thinners - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is allowed only after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefit outweighs the potential harm.
Compression and sclerosis therapy
Compression stockings and belts are worn to prevent complications of varicose veins.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
Because of this, 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 for introducing a special drug into blood vessels that stimulates a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete obstruction of the damaged vein and its transformation into constriction.The blood flow in it stops completely.
This procedure can be done in the 2nd-3rd trimester of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications.
operation
Surgical treatment is the removal of the affected area.It can be performed in several ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, it is necessary to perform partial resection of the ovary.And sometimes the complete removal of the uterus of the fallopian tubes.
In women of reproductive age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic exercises
These are exercises that help improve blood circulation and reduce venous stagnation.More effective:
- "birch";
- arching the back in the knee-elbow position;
- exercises for lifting the legs and the sacral area.
They promote blood flow due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than hospital therapy, however, they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal plants are used - willow, oak branches, grass 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 impact.For example, make time for exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Prevention of illness during pregnancy is of particular importance.During this period, be sure to monitor food and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.