Modern medicine does not pay much attention to varicose veins of the small pelvis.This problem began to be discussed only in the 80s of the last century.In this regard, the diagnosis of pathology is difficult today.Many Soviet school specialists do not understand the treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, vascular diseases continue to progress and cause serious changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
What are varicose veins of the pelvic vessels?
When talking about varicose veins of the small pelvis, many people remember hemorrhoids.However, when the topic concerns the female population, the problem takes on global proportions.The intestinal vessels do not necessarily suffer from pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, the absence of hemorrhoids is not a guarantee that the patient does not have pelvic varicose veins.
The first mention of pelvic varicose veins in women appeared only in 1975.Initially, surgical methods were used for treatment, which were not justified.
Pelvic varicose veins are an unnatural stretching of blood vessels.For some reason, veins lose their elasticity.They, as before, take in the required amount of blood, but can no longer push it back out.As a result, biological fluid stagnates in the vessels.The walls stretch, become thinner, and become damaged.The disease progresses throughout life and does not immediately manifest itself.Therefore, most often varicose veins of the pelvis are found in women closer to 30-40 years of age.The danger of varicose veins is that stagnant processes develop in stretched vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins of the small pelvis greatly reduce the quality of life of women and cause other health problems.
Causes of varicose veins of the pelvis
Since varicose veins in the pelvis in women began to receive attention relatively recently, the problem remains not fully understood.Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the disease.There are different hypotheses regarding the occurrence of pathology, but none of them has found recognition to date.
The causes of varicose veins in the pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.Observations show that the examined patients had cases of vascular diseases at a young age in their family.
- Wrong lifestyle.Vascular diseases develop as a result of poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other components of connective tissue leads to stretching of blood vessels.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people experience connective tissue dysplasia and acquire vascular diseases in older age.Of these, about 70% are female.At the same time, experts have not yet learned to anticipate such changes and effectively prevent varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Risk factors
Varicose veins of the pelvis develop more often in women who:
- have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- spend a lot of time sitting;
- do not live an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffer from varicose veins of the lower extremities;
- have given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins of the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins have symptoms.Many women are unaware of their disease for many years and find out about it suddenly.Some have clinical manifestations but associate them with other conditions.Due to difficult diagnosis and little attention to this pathology, doctors also often make mistakes in making a diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of abdominal pain, and the doctor reveals inflammation of the appendages, but in reality the symptom is caused by varicose veins.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain in the lower segment of the abdominal cavity, radiating to the sacrum or leg;
- discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower extremities;
- increase in platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, then this disorder must be excluded.For this purpose, clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy
Varicose veins of the pelvis can cause women to become pregnant because blood circulation in the pelvis is impaired.If the disease affects the gonads, their functioning changes.However, in most cases, varicose veins do not prevent conception, but can cause problems during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, patients with varicose veins of the small pelvis should be given special attention.During the gestational period, various problems with the blood supply to the placenta are possible, which lead to irreversible consequences in the development of the fetus.With an increased level of platelets in the blood, women require injections of thinning medications to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
The doctor is able to suspect varicose veins of the small pelvis in a woman already during the first examination.The gynecologist compares symptoms, assesses risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.On palpation, the patient experiences pain in the pelvic area.If varicose veins are present on the external genitalia or the inner thigh, then with a high degree of probability the problem is also present in the pelvis.To confirm pathology, clinics use hardware and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pelvis, specialists often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, the latest ultrasound scanning machines make it possible to examine the veins.With varicose veins, they are tortuous and dilated, and also have an unnatural location.
- Dopplerography of blood vessels.Diagnostics evaluates the condition of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.With varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is detected in the iliac veins of the ovary and uterus.
- Laparoscopy.Using an optical system, surgeons examine the inside of the abdominal wall, the surface of the uterus, and appendages.
- Tomography.A computer or magnetic study using a contrast agent allows you to examine in detail the location of the veins and see the areas of their expansion.
In addition, laboratory tests may be used.For differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes additional examinations, based on the results obtained.
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women
In the absence of pronounced changes in the veins, patients are prescribed drug treatment.Venotonics and anticoagulants are used, and vitamin therapy is recommended.Typically one to four courses are offered over the course of a year.With varicose veins of the pelvis, it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient from painful symptoms.
Treatment of vascular pathologies is necessarily complemented by lifestyle correction.It is important to reduce cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, adhere to proper nutrition and give up bad habits.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to regularly see a phlebologist.If necessary, the doctor will prescribe unscheduled examinations.During pregnancy in the second half of the gestational period, medications can be used to maintain the tone of the veins, but only as prescribed by a doctor.Medicines prescribed during pregnancy are first assessed for expected benefits and possible risks.
Treatment in the clinic
If there are no results after outpatient treatment, hospitalization may be recommended.Correction of pelvic varicose veins in clinics is performed surgically.Modern surgery uses minimally invasive techniques - sclerotherapy, laser coagulation and others.If the need arises, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no single treatment regimen for varicose veins of the pelvis.An individual approach is selected for each woman.During the treatment process, the regimen can be changed based on an assessment of the results obtained.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the small pelvis should be done from a young age.It is a mistake to believe that this pathology is found in middle-aged women and does not threaten young girls.Varicose veins begin to develop many years before the clinical picture appears.Therefore, prevention of vascular disorders is necessary for everyone.
Recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to proper nutrition;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid Check-up diagnostic programs, which are offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect pelvic varicose veins, you should contact a gynecologist and phlebologist.