Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike similar disorders on the lower legs, are not always noticeable, but very dangerous to health.Can cause deterioration of blood flow in internal organs and functional disorders.
The difference between varicose veins and healthy ones
A healthy vessel wall 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 the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All the veins located below the heart, ie in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, they have valves on 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 obstruction.With retrograde movement, it fills the valve and closes the vessel.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo several changes in the valve apparatus.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stagnation.
Some fluid bypasses, causing an overflow of healthy vessels.And also creates a tone disorder that is already in it.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any part of the body.
Manifestations of pathology on the feet are most noticeable - this creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs is asymptomatic for a long time.
It is most dangerous for the female reproductive organs, less often for the bladder.Varicose veins of the rectum manifest as hemorrhoids.
Pelvic varicose veins can have many causes.This disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system, and as a result, deterioration in its function.
A woman may notice changes in her menstrual cycle, pain, and signs of hormonal disruption.Physical impact can result in ruptured vessels and bleeding.
Reason
Refers to multifactorial, that is arising due to a combination of several 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 several unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk for such pathologies.
Women who have children are more susceptible to this disease than men.
The first signs usually appear around the age of 40 or at the end of pregnancy.The actual onset of pathology occurs earlier.
Degree
There are three stages of varicose vein development:
- Mild level - damage to one or more peripheral channels of the genital organs.Often asymptomatic, may be temporary, requiring repeated examinations.
- Moderate degree - expansion of the large veins of the parametrium - the outer layer of the uterus, or myometrium - the muscle layer.Causes irregular menstruation and poor health.
- Severe stage – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.Causing serious disturbances in the sexual field, high risk of disease and infertility.
symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the early stages, it most often occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital area, heaviness and pain appear.
These sensations change in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may get stronger during the bleeding and weaken a few days after.
A woman may notice that her periods become more painful and heavy.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems arise with conception and pregnancy.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify this disease.
The first and easiest is a gynecological examination.Identify varicose veins on the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.The data may indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, erosion of the cervix.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.The advantage is that it allows the detection of dilatation of the parametrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information about the state of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, MRI, vaginal smear, blood test for sex hormones, and diagnostic curettage are prescribed.
Which specialist should I contact for help?
Treatment is carried out by gynecologists in collaboration with vascular surgeons.In the case of hormonal disorders, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
Since this disease is multifactorial, other specialists can also participate in the treatment if necessary.
Therapy methods
Before starting treatment, you need to undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, this disease occurs against the background of other disorders.
For higher efficiency, an integrated approach is used.Several therapy methods are used at once, which makes it more successful.
Drug treatment
Including taking drugs that increase the tone of vascular walls - Hesperidin, Diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of vascular wall tissue, the following are prescribed:
- Ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Routine.
Its use is allowed even during pregnancy and after childbirth, if the first symptoms appear later.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood thinners - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, its use is only allowed after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefits outweigh the possible harm.
Compression and sclerosing therapy
Compression tights and belts are worn to prevent varicose vein complications.They create pressure on the external genital tract, preventing it from overflowing.
Because of this, normal or near-normal venous outflow is maintained throughout the pelvis.The level of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear such underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure to insert special drugs into the vessels that stimulate a short-term inflammatory response.And then - the complete obstruction of the damaged vein and its transformation into narrowing.The blood flow in it is completely stopped.
This procedure can be performed in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment is to remove the affected area.It can be done in several ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, it is necessary to perform a partial resection of the ovary.And sometimes the complete removal of the fallopian tube uterus.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic exercise
This is an exercise that helps increase blood flow and reduce venous congestion.The most effective:
- "birch";
- arching the back in the knee-elbow position;
- exercises to raise the legs and sacral area.
They promote the outflow of blood due to gravity.
People's recovery
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, cudweed grass and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood flow.
Recommendations for prevention
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors that affect venous outflow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, make time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Disease prevention during pregnancy is very important.During this period, make sure you monitor both nutrition and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.