When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate this disease with internal organs. More often, the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the share of varicose veins of the pelvic veins, which are not visible to the armed eye, account for at least 5% of the total share of vascular diseases, and most of the patients learn about the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease affects mainly women of fertile age. They have small pelvic varicose veins accompanied by symptoms resembling gynecological inflammation, the consequences of hormonal disruptions and pathologies of the genitourinary system. That 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
By varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors understand a change in the structure of the vascular walls characteristic of other types of disease - weakening followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" inside which 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 small pelvis is most pronounced in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological features suggesting 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 for pregnancy;
- periods of more active filling of the veins with blood, including cyclic menstrual periods, during pregnancy, as well as during sex.
All of the above phenomena belong to the category of factors provoking varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. The largest number of patients are faced with varicose veins of the small pelvis during pregnancy, as there is a simultaneous layering of provoking factors. According to statistics, among men, varicose veins of the small pelvis are 7 times less common than among the fairer sex. Their set of provoking factors is more diverse:
- hypodynamia - long-term preservation of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially dragging weights;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or lucid refusal to have sex.
A genetic predisposition can also lead to the pathology of the plexuses located inside 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 ailment. The first changes in them can be observed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins in women with involvement of the pelvic vessels is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, pelvic varicose veins are accompanied by severe, but nonspecific symptoms. Often, the manifestations of this disease are regarded as signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with involvement of the pelvic vessels are:
- Pain in the lower abdomen not related to the menstrual cycle. Their intensity depends on the stage of venous damage and the extent of the process. For the 1st degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis, 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 long lasting and intense.
- Profuse mucous discharge. The so-called leucorrhoea does not have an unpleasant odor, does not change color, which would indicate an infection. The volume of discharge increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Even before the onset of menstruation, pain in women increases, up to the appearance of difficulties with walking. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable, spreading to the entire pelvic area, perineum, lower back and even to 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. Can be observed at the end of intercourse. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
As with varicose veins of the small pelvis in men, the female part of patients with such a diagnosis is gradually losing interest in sex. The cause of dysfunction is both constant discomfort and a decrease in the production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility may occur.
How is pelvic varicose veins treated?
If women experience 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.
With varicose veins of the small pelvis, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the small 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 impact. Consists of regular and long-term medication. Using this method, you can cure pelvic varicose veins at an early stage, when the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Drug-free therapy. Consists of adherence to the daily routine, exercise. The method is considered auxiliary, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective, as well as when a disease is detected in later stages.
Drug therapy involves taking several groups of drugs that can not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, which are designed to improve venous outflow;
- A drug that reduces blood density, which is prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex remedy for reducing unpleasant symptoms and strengthening blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation designed to reduce edema, eliminate inflammation;
- Complex with vitamins designed to strengthen the venous walls.
Almost all venotonic drugs for small pelvic varicose veins are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, the doctor may prescribe them in minimal dosages from 12 weeks of gestation.
Surgery for varicose vessels in the pelvic organs is considered a last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged use of drugs. The methods of surgical treatment used may differ 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 ligation of the vena cava;
- with a combination of varicose veins in the small pelvis and on the lower extremities, crossectomy is performed.
Before and after the intervention, women should undergo a course of drug therapy, wear compression garments, and follow a strict weight loss diet.
Prevention
Preventing flare-ups and reducing the risk of progression is just as important as therapeutic measures. It involves exercising for pelvic varicose veins and following a special diet. With their help it is possible:
- to reduce weight, that is, to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improve blood flow;
- reduce the likelihood of blood clots;
- reduce the risk of other complications.
In the set of exercises for varicose veins of the small pelvis, you can include the classic "Birch" and "Scissors with feet", "Bicycle" and lifting on toes from a standing position. Such loads stimulate the outflow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps to reduce vein swelling. It is necessary to perform gymnastics with varicose veins of the small pelvis regularly, preferably every day, morning and evening.
The peculiarities of the diet for pelvic varicose veins are the inclusion in the diet of foods high in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is necessary to improve bowel function and eliminate congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are necessary to strengthen the walls of the veins, to reduce blood viscosity. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- whole grain cereals - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
- skinless chicken or turkey fillets;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh juices, compotes.
It is necessary to eat fractionally, 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 small 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 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 pelvic varicose veins. Since the disease is often exacerbated 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 childbirth with varicose veins in the groin, the walls of the vessel may rupture. It is fraught with profuse blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors are inclined to prescribe women with pelvic varicose veins a caesarean section followed by vein ligation.