Varicose veins in our body can be localized not only on the legs. The pelvic area is another place where varicose veins can also be. A pathological condition in which there are dilated veins in the small pelvis, as a rule, occurs in women and is accompanied by discomfort and periodic aching pains in the lower abdomen. In men, varicose veins of the small pelvis are also found, but it is manifested mainly by the expansion of the veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele). This pathological process in men can be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness in the scrotum, pain in intimacy.
According to statistics, varicose veins of the small pelvis, or as it is also called - the syndrome of chronic pelvic pain, occurs mainly in young women - from 18 to 48 years old. The number of patients with this ailment increases several times with age. The statistics are disappointing. So, at the age of 18-19 years, varicose veins of the small pelvis are detected in 15-18% of women, and by the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
The first reason is physical inactivity. It also includes the specificity of the patient's work, "sedentary" or "standing" work. Due to the long stay of a person in orthostasis, venous outflow is disturbed and this leads to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically dilated veins no longer adhere tightly to each other, a gap is formed between the valves and the blood is drained down due to the force of gravity. In such veins, the blood thickens, and this can subsequently lead to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size, begins to press down on the underlying veins. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of circulating blood in the small pelvis increases.
But, in order to calm down women preparing for conception and pregnancy, such varicose veins do not carry a direct danger. With varicose veins of the small pelvis, childbirth is usually unremarkable. 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 childbirth, these veins decrease significantly, and after a year they completely disappear. After childbirth, varicose veins of the small pelvis remain in only 2-6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of various kinds 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 who took 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 region of residence, air pollution in cities, especially in megacities, increases the risks of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- painful periods;
- recurring pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvic area, radiating to the sacrum, lower back, perineum;
- soreness and discomfort in the vulva or vagina, during and after intimacy;
- profuse mucous discharge from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- visible expansion of the 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 possible complications will not keep you waiting long.
The first doctor you should see is a gynecologist.
He will conduct an examination, appoint 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 ultrasound duplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities (USDG), which allows you to get a complete picture of the venous outflow.
In difficult cases, a phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy). To establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the degree of the disease, these studies are enough.
The degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- 1 degree - veins of the small pelvis up to 5 mm in diameter (damage to any venous plexus of the small pelvis is noted), the course of the vessel is already taking on a tortuous appearance;
- 2 degree - the size of the veins is from 6 to 10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are visible both in the entire small pelvis, and can only affect the ovarian plexus, or veins in the uterus, or the veins of the myometrium;
- Grade 3 is a total varicose veins of the small pelvis, varicose veins have a diameter of more than 10 - 12 mm.
How to treat pelvic varicose veins?
Non-drug treatments
- Fight against hypodynamia. If the work is associated with prolonged sitting or standing, do a warm-up after 1 - 1. 5 hours;
- Quitting smoking, alcohol (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wearing compression underwear (stockings, tights) to improve venous outflow from the lower extremities;
- Wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels;
- Diet (exclusion from the diet of salty, spicy, fried). Salty food always retains fluid in the body, which leads to edema, an increase in blood pressure - thereby the outflow of blood through the veins worsens. You need to include in your diet more fiber (fruits, vegetables, herbs);
- Contrast shower, (especially in the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Drug treatment
- Phlebotonics - to improve the tone of varicose veins, reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - to improve the outflow of blood from varicose veins, increase the tone of the veins, reduce inflammation and edema;
- Vitamin C - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce their fragility.
Venous gels and ointments are not used in the treatment of pelvic varicose veins due to the internal location of the affected veins.
Doctors recommend a mandatory combination of drug therapy with the wearing of compression hosiery (stockings, tights). During pregnancy, there is a particular need for compression garments.
Surgery
Surgical operation is an extreme measure that is used when medical correction is impossible and ineffective, and the disease is very advanced and can cause a number of complications.
Various techniques are used depending on the prevalence, location and diameter of pathological veins. In the case when surgical intervention is necessary, the selection of the type of surgical aid is individual, since it all depends on the location and prevalence.