Varicose veins in our body can not only be located in the legs. The pelvic area is another place where varicose veins may appear. The pathological condition of small pelvic vein dilation usually occurs in women, and is accompanied by lower abdominal discomfort and periodic pain. Small pelvic varicose veins can also be seen in men, but the main manifestation is dilatation of the spermatic vein (varices of the spermatic cord). This pathological process in men may be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness of the scrotum, and intimate pain.
According to statistics, small pelvic varicose veins, or also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, mainly occur in young women between 18 and 48 years old. With age, the number of patients suffering from this disease will increase several times. The statistics are disappointing. Therefore, between the ages of 18-19, 15-18% of women find small pelvic varicose veins, and by the age of 48, this proportion increases to 70-80%.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
The first reason is lack of exercise. It also includes the particularity of patient work, "sedentary" or "standing" work. Due to the long-term upright state, the venous outflow is disturbed, resulting in stagnation of the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically dilated veins no longer fit tightly, gaps are formed between the valves, and blood drains downward due to gravity. In such veins, the blood thickens, which subsequently leads to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus will enlarge and begin to compress the veins underneath. In addition, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes and the amount of circulating blood in the small pelvis increases.
However, in order to calm down women who are preparing to conceive and become pregnant, this type of varicose veins does not pose a direct danger. Due to varicose veins in the small pelvis, childbirth is usually not significant. An unpleasant moment-in 30-40% of pregnant women, the veins of the vulva and perineum are enlarged. But it must be remembered that these veins will be significantly reduced just after giving birth, and will disappear completely after one year. After delivery, only 2-6% of patients still have small pelvic varices.
The third reason is the existence of various gynecological conditions treated with hormone drugs.
The fourth reason is smoking. Smoking while taking hormonal contraceptives is very dangerous. Smoking thickens the blood, just like hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, many ridiculous accidents occurred in medicine. At that time, a smoking girl who took hormonal contraceptives died of thrombosis.
The fifth reason is obesity. With overweight, the load on the blood vessels increases significantly.
The sixth reason is the ecological status of the residential area. Air pollution in cities, especially megacities, increases the risk of varicose veins.
The main symptoms of small pelvic varicose veins
- Painful periods;
- Repeated pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, radiating to the sacrum, lower back, and perineum;
- Soreness and discomfort in the vulva or vagina during and after an intimate relationship;
- The vagina secretes a lot of mucus, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- The veins in the genital area are obviously dilated, and the groin is obvious. "Asterisk" and "mesh" on the back of the hips and thighs.
What if you have symptoms of pelvic varicose veins?
If you find that you have all of the above conditions, please do not delay your visit to the doctor, otherwise possible complications will not keep you waiting.
The first doctor you should see is a gynecologist.
He will conduct the exam and designate all the necessary exams. All patients with suspected pelvic varices undergo an ultrasound examination of their abdominal organs.
To confirm the diagnosis, refer the patient to a phlebologist. They perform an ultrasound duplex scan of the lower extremity veins (USDG), allowing you to obtain a complete picture of the vein outflow.
In difficult cases, the phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy). To establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease, these studies are sufficient.
The degree of small pelvic varicose veins
- 1 degree-the diameter of the veins in the small pelvis is up to 5 mm (note that any venous plexus in the small pelvis is damaged), and the route of the blood vessels has shown a tortuous appearance;
- Degree 2-the size of the vein is 6 to 10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are visible throughout the small pelvis and can only affect the ovarian plexus, or veins in the uterus, or veins in the myometrium;
- Grade 3 is small pelvic varicose veins, the diameter of the varicose veins exceeds 10-12 mm.
How to treat pelvic varicose veins?
Non-drug treatment
- Fight fatigue. If the work is related to sitting or standing for a long time, please warm up after 1-1. 5 hours;
- Quit smoking and drinking (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wear compression underwear (stockings, tights) to improve the venous outflow of the lower extremities;
- Wear comfortable shoes and avoid wearing high heels;
- Diet (exclude salty, spicy, and fried diets). Salty foods always retain fluid in the body, which can lead to edema and increased blood pressure-which worsens the flow of blood from the veins. You need to add more fiber (fruits, vegetables, herbs) to your diet;
- Contrast showering, (especially on the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physical therapy and breathing exercises.
medical treatement
- Phlebotonics-improve the tone of varicose veins and reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract-relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin-Improve blood flow from varicose veins, increase vein tension, reduce inflammation and edema;
- Vitamin C-Strengthens the walls of blood vessels and reduces their fragility.
Due to the internal location of the affected veins, intravenous gels and ointments are not used to treat pelvic varicose veins.
The doctor recommended compulsory combination of medication and wearing compression stockings (stockings, tights). During pregnancy, tights are particularly needed.
Operation
Surgery is an extreme measure, used when medical correction is impossible and ineffective, and the disease is very advanced and can cause many complications.
Various techniques are used according to the prevalence, location and diameter of pathological veins. In the case of surgical intervention, the choice of surgical aids varies from person to person, because it depends entirely on location and prevalence.