Varicose veins are considered a more "feminine" condition and are more likely to affect women than men due to gendered and genetic characteristics of body structure and function.The pathology is accompanied by pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms; it affects other organs besides the legs and threatens women's health, so it must be treated immediately.
reason
The main causes of varicose veins in women’s legs are:
- Wearing uncomfortable high heels and tight clothing (tight jeans, shapewear) for long periods of time;
- Overweight, obesity;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- strenuous physical activity;
- Nervous disorders often occur;
- leg injuries;
- Sitting cross-legged for long periods of time;
- bad habits.
A common cause of varicose veins in the lower limbs and pelvic organs is a hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself in the following conditions:
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- menopause;
- Irregular menstruation;
- Taking hormonal medications (such as birth control pills).
Pelvic venous congestion also manifests itself due to:
- long-term inflammatory process;
- Prolonged and regular interruptions in sexual intercourse, especially without orgasm;
- Frequent constipation;
- abortion;
- dystocia;
- Uterine curvature or prolapse;
- Pelvic tumors.
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The first symptoms of venous dilatation in the lower limbs:
- fatigue;
- Heaviness in legs, aggravated at night;
- burning sensation and swelling;
- Spider veins and blue webbed look.
Without treatment, patients will face:
- Night cramps;
- Itching of the skin in the affected area.
In advanced stages, other signs may appear:
- Pigmented spots are concentrated in the lower third of the legs;
- Cyanosis (certain areas of skin turning blue);
- Sclerotic changes in subcutaneous tissue.
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs and uterus have specific symptoms:
- Severe persistent or intermittent abdominal pain that may become severe after ovulation or during menopause;
- Irregular menstruation (dysmenorrhea);
- Vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
- Sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- Pressure, heaviness in the pelvic area;
- Difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
- Swelling of the vulva and vagina;
- Venous nodules in buttocks and perineum.
The intensity and nature of manifestations vary from person to person.Some women may experience only 2-3 symptoms, while others may experience all of the above.
Why is it dangerous?
Treatment of varicose veins should be carried out promptly because the disease can cause complications and adverse consequences:
- Eczema or trophic ulcers on the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
- Dermatitis develops on the affected areas of the legs.
- Blood clots form due to stagnant blood in the veins.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Pulmonary embolism.The dislodged clot travels through the bloodstream into the pulmonary artery, which may cause pulmonary infarction or sudden death.
Uterine diseases have a negative impact on the function of the endocrine system: in advanced stages, female hormone levels decrease and ovarian dysfunction causes irregular menstruation.This process often leads to pregnancy and fertility problems, including infertility.
Pathological dilatation of the veins of the pelvic organs is also dangerous:
- Uterine bleeding;
- the impossibility of natural childbirth and the threat of spontaneous abortion;
- Thrombophlebitis of the uterine wall;
- Ovarian vein thrombosis (blockage).
treat
These include medications and physical therapy, compression therapy, gymnastics and lifestyle changes that will help prevent the development of serious consequences and the need for surgical intervention.
drug
Treatment of pelvic veins and lower extremity varicose veins at any stage is impossible without the support of medications.In the initial phase it becomes the basis of treatment, in later phases it is the complement of a complete set of measures.
- IVology– Strengthens vein walls and reduces inflammatory processes.
- Direct and indirect acting anticoagulants– Thin the blood and improve its flow in the blood vessels.The drug is used under the supervision of a specialist to avoid complications such as bleeding.
- fibrinolytic drugs– Dissolve formed clots and reduce blood clotting.
Taking into account the accompanying symptoms, drugs from other groups are prescribed:
- NSAIDs– Eliminates pain, reduces swelling and inflammation.
- Female sex hormone preparationsSuffering from hormonal imbalance.
- Hemostatic agents (coagulants)– Haemostatic agents used to treat uterine bleeding.
- antibiotic– Prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.
minimally invasive intervention
- Sclerotherapy– The diseased vein is glued together from the inside using a special substance called sclerosing agent to cut off the blood vessel from the blood flow.The treated area becomes overgrown with fibrous tissue which gradually recedes.
- laser coagulation– Laser welding of dilated veins.
- radiofrequency ablation– Intravascular thermal effects act on the vessel wall to seal the lumen.
operate
It is suitable for the occurrence of disease complications and the ineffectiveness of drug treatment.In addition to the classic methods of surgical treatment of the lower limbs (various types of phlebectomy), interventions are also performed on the genitals and pelvis:
- Ovarian variceal embolization– Access the affected area through a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein, first provide contrast media to hardware monitor the progress of the procedure, and then provide embolization drugs to block the affected blood vessels.
- tailoring– Use special medical clips to compress the pelvic veins.Use endoscopy to monitor the progress of the intervention.
- Vascular resection (complete or partial resection)– Performed from the perineum (labia majora area) or peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the labia line, through which the affected area is removed.In mild pathological forms, if lesions are observed in the vaginal and vulvar areas, venous excision is performed with multiple punctures.When spread to the ovarian veins and uterine area, surgery is performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or an endoscope.
physical therapy
- Leech therapy– Leech treatment.Increases the elasticity of vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents blood clots, and eliminates pain and swelling.
- massage– Increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizing the function of valves, strengthening the walls of veins, can only be carried out in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
- Gymnastics and sports therapy– Regular training has a positive effect on vascular tone, preventing recurrences and relieving the patient’s condition.Recommended exercises: birch, bike, squats, scissors.This type of gymnastics helps normalize blood flow and eliminate congestion in blood vessels.Also useful for: swimming, jogging, cycling.
- hardening.Due to the alternation of cold and heat, the tension of the blood vessel wall is enhanced, blood circulation is accelerated, microcirculation in the tissue is restored, arterial blood inflow increases, lymphatic and venous systems flow out, and the metabolic process is activated.You need to start soaking with warm water.
- ultra high frequency therapy– Exposure to UHF continuous pulsed electric fields.It has analgesic properties, relieves inflammation, improves blood flow, and stimulates the immune system.
- muscle stimulation– Effects of low-intensity electrical current on muscles.Helps increase blood flow rate, eliminating swelling, pain and discomfort.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical therapies are used - electrophoresis, magnet therapy, pressure therapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.
compression garment
The positive effect of the special knitwear is to evenly redistribute the pressure on the muscles and then gently massage the veins, resulting in:
- Increased blood flow velocity through deep blood vessels;
- Eliminates stagnation of blood and lymph fluid;
- The severity of varicose vein symptoms is reduced;
- Less load on the legs;
- Prevent complications during pregnancy, childbirth and surgery.
For varicose veins in the lower limbs, stockings, knee-high socks, and elastic bandages can be used; for injuries to pelvic organs, shorts and tights can be used.
diet
Varicose veins in the legs and pelvis require dietary modifications that provide necessary nutrients to the dilated and weakened veins.Dietary nutrition includes eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, foods rich in plant fiber and protein.It is recommended to drink 1.5-2 liters of water every day.
You should exclude alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fats, fried, pickled and smoked foods from the menu and reduce the content of empty carbohydrates in the diet to lose excess weight, reduce the load on the blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
folk recipes
In the treatment of varicose veins in the legs and pelvis, a combination of home remedies and medications is allowed.They should only be used after consulting a doctor.
The most effective plants for varicose veins:
- Buckeye;
- dandelion;
- Kombucha
Infusions, decoctions for internal and external use, and ointments are prepared from them.
prevention
Preventive measures are useful not only for women at risk of the disease, but also for those who already have varicose veins:
- Live an active lifestyle;
- Normalize rest and work schedules;
- Use mild contraceptive methods;
- Take a contrast shower;
- Perform daily gymnastics exercises;
- Eat right;
- Visit a massage therapist;
- Take preventive IV courses;
- Prevent constipation;
- Minimize stress.
Pregnant women should pay special attention to prevention; according to statistics, pathological dilation of veins in the pelvic area and lower limbs can be seen in 40% of cases.