Varicose veins are considered a more “feminine” disease, which affects the fairer sex more frequently than men, due to gender and the genetic characteristics of the structure and functioning of the body.The pathology is accompanied by pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms;It can affect organs other than the legs, threatening women's health, so it must be treated immediately.
Reasons
The main causes of female varicose veins in the legs are:
- prolonged use of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and tight clothing (tight jeans, shapewear);
- overweight, obesity;
- hereditary predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- intense physical activity;
- frequent nervous disorders;
- leg injuries;
- sitting for a long time in a cross-legged position;
- bad habits.
A common cause of the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities and pelvic organs is a hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself when:
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- menopause;
- menstrual irregularities;
- taking hormonal medications (e.g. contraceptives).
Venous congestion in the pelvis also manifests itself as a result of:
- long-lasting inflammatory process;
- regular interruption of sexual intercourse for a long time, especially in the absence of orgasm;
- frequent constipation;
- abortions;
- difficult birth;
- curvature or prolapse of the uterus;
- pelvic tumors.
Signs
The first symptoms of dilated veins of the lower extremities:
- fatigue;
- heaviness in the legs, worse at night;
- burning and swelling;
- the appearance of spider veins and blue mesh.
Without treatment, patients face:
- nocturnal cramps;
- itchy skin in the affected areas.
At an advanced stage, other signs appear:
- pigmented spots concentrated on the lower third of the leg;
- cyanosis (bluish discoloration of certain areas of the skin);
- sclerotic changes in subcutaneous tissue.
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs and uterus are characterized by specific symptoms:
- severe, constant or intermittent abdominal pain, which may become severe after ovulation or during menopause;
- menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhea);
- vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
- sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- pressure, heaviness in the pelvic region;
- difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
- swelling of the vulva, vagina;
- venous nodules in the buttocks and perineum.
The intensity and nature of the manifestations are individual.Some women may only experience 2 to 3 symptoms, while others may experience all of the above.
Why is it dangerous?
Treatment of varicose veins must be carried out in a timely manner, as the disease can provoke complications and unpleasant consequences:
- Eczema or trophic ulcers on the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
- Dermatitis on the affected areas of the legs.
- Formation of blood clots due to stagnation of blood in the veins.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Pulmonary embolism.The highlighted thrombus passes through the bloodstream into the pulmonary artery and this threatens a pulmonary infarction or sudden death of a person.
Disease of the uterus negatively affects the functioning of the endocrine system: in an advanced stage, there is a decrease in the level of female hormones and ovarian dysfunction, which causes menstrual irregularities.This process often leads to problems with conception and birth of a child, including infertility.
Pathological expansion 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 walls;
- thrombosis (blockage) of the ovarian veins.
Treatment
It includes medications and physiotherapy, compression, gymnastics and lifestyle changes that will help prevent the development of serious consequences and the need for surgical intervention.
Drugs
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins and lower extremities at any stage is impossible without medication support.In the initial phase it becomes the basis of treatment, in an advanced phase it complements the set of measures.
- Phlebotonics– strengthen the walls of the veins, reduce the inflammatory process.
- Direct and indirect action anticoagulants– thins the blood, facilitating its movement through the vessels.The medicines are used under the supervision of a specialist to avoid complications such as bleeding.
- Fibrinolytics– dissolve formed blood clots and reduce blood clotting.
Additional groups of medications are prescribed taking into account accompanying symptoms:
- NSAIDs– eliminate pain, relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Female sex hormone preparationswith hormonal disorders.
- Hemostatics (coagulants)– hemostatic agents for the treatment of uterine bleeding.
- Antibiotics– prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.
Minimally invasive interventions
- Sclerotherapy– glue the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosing substance to isolate the vessel from the bloodstream.The treated area becomes covered in fibrous tissue and gradually disappears.
- Laser coagulation– welding of dilated veins with a laser.
- Radiofrequency ablation– intravascular thermal effect on the vessel walls to seal the lumen.
Operation
Indicated for the development of complications of the disease and ineffectiveness of drug therapy.In addition to the classical methods of surgical treatment of the lower extremities (various types of phlebectomy), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvis:
- Embolization of varicose veins in the ovary– through a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein and taken to the affected area, first a contrast agent is supplied for hardware monitoring of the progress of the operation and then an embolizing medication, which obstructs the affected vessel.
- Crop– compression of the pelvic veins with special medical clips.The progress of the intervention is monitored using an endoscope.
- Resection (total or partial removal) of vessels– performed from the perineum (area of the labia majora) or peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the lip line, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of the pathology, vein resection is performed using several punctures if the lesion is observed in the vagina and vulva region.When spreading to the area of the ovarian vein and uterus, operations are performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or endoscope.
Physiotherapy
- Hirudotherapy– treatment with leeches.Increases the elasticity of vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents blood clots, eliminates pain and swelling.
- Massage– increases the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizes the functioning of the valves, strengthens the venous walls, can be carried out only at the initial stage of the development of the disease.
- Gymnastics and exercise therapy– regular training has a positive effect on vascular tone, prevents relapses and alleviates the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: birch, bicycle, squats, scissors.Such gymnastics helps to normalize blood flow and eliminate congestion in blood vessels.Also useful: swimming, running, cycling.
- Hardening.As a result of the alternation of cold and heat, the tone of the vascular walls increases, blood circulation accelerates, microcirculation in tissues is restored, the inflow of arterial blood increases, the outflow from the lymphatic and venous systems and metabolic processes are activated.You need to start watering with warm water.
- UHF Therapy– exposure to a continuous pulsed electric field of ultra-high frequency.It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation, improves blood flow and stimulates the immune system.
- Myostimulation– impact on the muscles of low intensity current.Helps increase blood flow speed, eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical procedures are used - electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, pressotherapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.
Compression clothing
The positive effect of special meshes is due to the uniform redistribution of pressure on the muscles, followed by a gentle massage of the veins, resulting in:
- the speed of blood flow through deep vessels increases;
- blood and lymph stagnation is eliminated;
- the severity of signs of varicose veins decreases;
- the load on the legs is reduced;
- Complications during pregnancy, childbirth and after operations are avoided.
For varicose veins of the lower limbs, stockings, knee socks and elastic bandages are used;for damage to the pelvic organs, shorts and tight pants are worn.
Diet
Varicose veins in the legs and pelvis require dietary adjustments to provide dilated and weakened veins with necessary nutrients.Dietary nutrition involves eating large quantities of vegetables and fruits, rich in plant fiber and protein foods.It is recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.
You should exclude alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fatty, fried, pickled and smoked foods from the menu, reduce the amount of empty carbohydrates in your diet to lose excess weight, reduce the load on blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Popular recipes
When treating varicose veins in the legs and pelvis, the use of home remedies in combination with drug treatment is allowed.They can only be used after consulting a doctor.
The most effective plants for varicose veins:
- horse chestnut;
- 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 developing pathology, but also for those who already suffer from varicose veins:
- lead an active lifestyle;
- normalize rest and work times;
- use gentle contraceptive methods;
- take a contrast shower;
- perform gymnastic exercises daily;
- eat right;
- visit a massage therapist;
- take preventive venotonic courses;
- prevent constipation;
- minimize stress.
Special attention should be paid to prevention for pregnant women;according to statistics, pathological dilation of the veins in the pelvic region and lower extremities is observed in 40% of cases.