When it comes to varicose veins, very few people associate the disease with internal organs. More often, pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the varicose vein portion of the pelvis, which is invisible to the naked eye, accounts for at least 5% of the total portion of vascular disease, and most patients know about the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease affects mainly women of childbearing age. They have pelvic varicose veins accompanied by symptoms resembling gynecological inflammation, due to hormonal disorders and pathology of the genitourinary system. That is why the disease is not treated for a long time and continues, causing serious complications, including life-threatening ones.
Causes and risk factors
By varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors mean changes in the structure of the vascular wall characteristic of other types of disease - weakening followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" in which blood stagnates. Cases when only the pelvic organs are affected are very rare. In about 80% of patients, equivalent to this form, there are signs of varicose veins from the inguinal vein, the duct at the bottom of the leg.
The occurrence of varicose veins in the small pelvis is most noticeable in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological features that indicate a tendency to weaken the venous wall:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those related to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
- increased pressure on the small pelvis, which is typical for pregnancy;
- periods of more active vascular filling with blood, including cyclic menstrual periods, during pregnancy, and even during sexual intercourse.
All of the above phenomena belong to the category of factors that provoke varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. A large number of patients face varicose veins in the small pelvis during pregnancy, as there is a violation of the provoking factors simultaneously. According to statistics, among men, varicose veins in the small pelvis are 7 times less common than among the fairer sex. The groups of factors that provoke them are more diverse:
- hypodynamia - long-term preservation of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially weight drag;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or obvious refusal to have sex.
Genetic predisposition can also lead to plexus pathology located in the small pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins in the perineum and pelvis are most often diagnosed in women whose relatives suffer from the disease. The first changes in it can be observed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins in women with pelvic duct involvement is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital vein weakness.
Special Symptoms
In women, pelvic varicose veins are accompanied by severe but nonspecific symptoms. Often, manifestations of the disease are considered signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with pelvic duct involvement are:
- Non-menstrual pain in the lower abdomen. Their intensity depends on the degree of venous damage and the stage of the process. For stage 1 small pelvic varicose veins, periodic, mild pain, extending to the lower back, is characteristic. In later stages, it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back, and is durable and very intense.
- Excessive mucus removal. The so-called whiteness has no unpleasant odor, does not change color, which will indicate an infection. The volume of emissions increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menstruation. Even before the onset of menstruation, the pain in women increases, until there is difficulty walking. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable, spreading throughout the pelvis, perineum, lower back and even to the thighs.
Another characteristic feature of varicose veins in the groin in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and in the vagina and is described as a dull pain. Can be observed at the end of intercourse. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
Like small pelvic varicose veins in men, the female part of the patient with such a diagnosis gradually loses interest in sex. The cause of dysfunction is persistent discomfort and decreased production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility may occur.
How is pelvic varicose veins treated?
If a woman experiences symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, treatment should be started as early as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen their walls and improve blood flow in the pelvic area.
For pelvic varicose veins, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If a small pelvic varicose vein is detected in a woman during pregnancy, a phlebologist and gynecologist is involved in the treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative effect. Consists of regular and long-term medications. By using this method, you can cure pelvic varicose veins at an early stage, when the vessels have lost tone.
- Drug-free therapy. Consists of adhering to daily routines, exercise. This method is considered an adjunct, although it depends on a further reduction in the risk of developing varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective, and also when the disease is detected at a later stage.
Drug therapy involves taking several groups of drugs that can not only relieve unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonic, designed to increase venous outflow;
- Drugs that reduce blood density, prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex medicine to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
- An herbal preparation designed to reduce edema, eliminate inflammation;
- A vitamin complex designed to strengthen venous walls.
Almost all venotonic medications for small pelvic varicose veins are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. If symptoms develop, the doctor may prescribe it in a minimum dose of 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgery for varicose veins in the pelvic organs is considered the last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged use of the drug. The method of surgical treatment used may vary depending on the location of the vessel damaged by the disease:
- if only the internal vein is affected, the ovarian vein is trapped;
- with a combination of pelvic organ varicose veins with perineum varicose veins, surgeons perform lava vein ligation;
- with a combination of varicose veins in the small pelvis and in the lower leg, a crossectomy is performed.
Before and after interventions, women should undergo drug therapy, wear compression clothing, and follow a strict weight loss diet.
Prevention
Preventing deterioration and reducing the risk of development is just as important as therapeutic measures. It involves exercise for pelvic varicose veins and following a special diet. With their help it is possible:
- to lose weight, that is, to reduce the load on the blood vessels;
- increases blood flow;
- reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- reduces the risk of other complications.
In a set of exercises for small pelvic varicose veins, you can include the classic "Birch" and "Scissors with legs", "Bicycle" and lift the toes from a standing position. Such a load stimulates the outflow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which helps reduce the swelling of the veins. Need to do gymnastics with small pelvic varicose veins on a regular basis, preferably daily, morning and evening.
Dietary specialties for pelvic varicose veins consist of inclusion in foods high in fiber and vitamins (especially B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve bowel function and relieve congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the venous wall, to reduce blood viscosity. To meet their needs, diet includes:
- whole grain cereals - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
- skinless chicken or turkey;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh juice, compote.
You should eat in fractions, preferring boiled, stewed and grilled dishes, salads from fresh vegetables.
Complications
In contrast to leg varicose veins, the list of situations in which small pelvic varicose veins are dangerous in women includes a large number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other exclusive vascular complications, the following may occur against the background of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This is not the only danger of varicose veins in the small pelvis. Because the disease is often exacerbated during pregnancy, there is a threat not only to women, but also to the fetus. The main complication of this form of varicose veins, which persists against the background of pregnancy, is the delay in fetal development. Women with this diagnosis tend to give birth to premature babies with low weight, underdeveloped lungs, etc.
During childbirth with varicose veins in the groin, the vessel wall may rupture. It is fraught with significant blood loss and can sometimes lead to disastrous consequences. To reduce the risk of such complications, doctors tend to give women with pelvic varicose veins as a caesarean section followed by venous ligation.