Unlike similar diseases of the lower limbs, pelvic varicose veins are not always obvious but can be very harmful to health.May cause worsening of blood flow to internal organs and disrupt their function.
Difference Between Varicose Veins and Healthy Veins
Healthy blood vessel walls are always in good condition - allowing them to maintain blood flow.
The blood vessel walls contract, although not as much as the arteries.This effect is enhanced by contraction of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All the veins located below the heart, i.e. in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have valves in their walls.They are "pockets" formed by the endothelium of blood vessels.
They are positioned so that blood flow to the heart is unimpeded.With a retrograde motion, it fills the valve and closes the container.
Even against gravity, blood always flows from the periphery to the heart.
There are many changes that occur in the valvular apparatus of varicose veins.They tone down the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stasis.
Some fluid bypasses, causing healthy blood vessels to overflow.and can also cause their pre-existing tone disorders.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral blood vessels anywhere in the body.
Pathology is most evident in the legs - which creates serious aesthetic defects.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs remains asymptomatic for a long time.
It is most dangerous to the female reproductive organs and less dangerous to the bladder.Rectal varicose veins present as hemorrhoids.
Pelvic varicose veins can have several causes.This disease causes disruption of blood flow to the reproductive system, leading to deterioration of its function.
Women may notice changes in their menstrual cycles, pain, and signs of hormonal imbalance.Physical impact can cause blood vessels to rupture and bleed.
Reasons
Refers to multi-factor, that is, caused by a combination of multiple reasons.Among them:
- genetic predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- urinary tract and intestinal disorders;
- Hard physical labor.
The presence of one or even several adverse factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk for this pathology.
Women with children are more likely to be affected by this disease than men.
The first signs usually appear around age 40 or late in pregnancy.The actual onset of pathology occurs much earlier.
degree
There are three levels of development of varicose veins:
- Mild - Damage to one or more blood vessels surrounding the reproductive organs.Most cases are asymptomatic and may be temporary, requiring repeat testing.
- Moderate - dilation of large veins in the parametrium (outer layer of the uterus) or myometrium (muscle layer).Leading to irregular menstruation and poor health.
- Severity - Varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.Leading to a high risk of serious disorders, diseases and infertility in the sexual sphere.
symptom
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the initial stages, it usually has no symptoms.
As the condition progresses, itching, heaviness, and pain in the external genital area may occur.
The intensity of these sensations varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may intensify during the bleeding and weaken several days after the bleeding.
A woman may notice that her periods become more painful and heavy.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, and there are problems with conception and pregnancy.
diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of these is the gynecological exam.Identify dilated veins on the skin, vaginal walls, and cervix.Its data may indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, cervical erosion.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.The advantage is that it can detect parametrial, fallopian tube and ovarian dilation.The results of this study provide more complete information about the status of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, doctors perform MRIs, vaginal smears, blood tests for sex hormones, and diagnostic dilation and curettage.
Which expert should I contact for help?
Treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.If there is a hormonal imbalance, an endocrinologist needs to be consulted.
Since the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can also be involved in the treatment if necessary.
Treatment
Before starting treatment, you should have a complete examination of your reproductive system.Identify possible pathology.Often, the disease occurs in the context of other diseases.
To improve efficiency, an ensemble approach is used.Multiple treatments are used simultaneously, which makes treatment more successful.
drug treatment
This includes taking drugs that increase the tension of blood vessel walls - hesperidin, diosmin.
In order to reduce the permeability of blood vessel wall tissue, the following is prescribed:
- ascorbic acid;
- niacin;
- Rutin.
They can be used even at the first symptoms during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend blood thinning medications - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is allowed only after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist and if the benefits outweigh the possible harms.
Compression and sclerotherapy
Wear compression pants and a girdle to prevent complications from varicose veins.They create pressure on the blood vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
Therefore, normal or near-normal venous outflow is maintained throughout the pelvis.The degree of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear such underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which special drugs are introduced into the blood vessels to stimulate a short-term inflammatory response.Then - the damaged vein becomes completely blocked and turns into constriction.The blood flow inside completely stopped.
If there are no contraindications, the procedure can be performed within 2-3 months of pregnancy.
operate
Surgical treatment is the removal of the affected area.This can be done in a variety of ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, partial oophorectomy is necessary.Sometimes the uterus and fallopian tubes are even completely removed.
For women of childbearing age, doctors will try to preserve their reproductive organs.
therapeutic exercise
These exercises help improve blood flow and reduce venous stagnation.Most effective:
- "birch";
- Back arch at knees and elbows;
- Exercises to elevate the legs and sacral area.
They facilitate the outflow of blood due to gravity.
folk remedies
Traditional treatments, while not as effective as hospital treatments, can significantly improve a patient's health.
For this, a bath of medicinal plants is used - willow, oak branches, bitter herbs and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood flow.
Prevention advice
It is not possible to completely rule out all factors affecting venous outflow.But you can reduce their impact.For example, make time to exercise and keep your weight within a normal range.
Preventing this disease is especially important during pregnancy.During this time, be sure to monitor nutrition and physical activity.Also add enough vitamins.