Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar disorder in the lower extremities, are not always noticeable, but they are very harmful to health.It can lead to deterioration of blood flow in internal organs and disruption of their function.
Difference between varicose veins and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good shape - this allows it to maintain blood flow.
The walls contract, although not as much as in arteries.This effect is enhanced by contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All veins located below the heart, that is, in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have valves in their walls.These are “pockets” formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located in such a way that the blood flowing to the heart passes unhindered.With retrograde movement, it fills the valves and closes the vessel.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo a series of changes in the valve apparatus.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid is diverted, causing healthy vessels to overflow.And also causing tone disorders that already exist in them.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any area of the body.
Manifestations of pathology on the legs are more visible - this creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs is asymptomatic for a long time.
It is most dangerous for the female reproductive organs and less often for the bladder.Varicose veins of the rectum manifest as hemorrhoids.
Pelvic varicose veins can have several causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, deterioration of its function.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can result in ruptured vessels and bleeding.
Reasons
It refers to multifactorial, that is, it arises due to a combination of several reasons.Among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- heavy physical work.
The presence of one or even several unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk of such pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible to this than men.
The first signs usually appear around age 40 or late in pregnancy.The actual onset of the pathology occurs much earlier.
Degrees
There are three degrees of development of varicose veins:
- Mild degree - damage to one or more peripheral vessels of the genital organs.Most often asymptomatic, it may be temporary, requiring repeated examinations.
- Medium degree - expansion of the large veins of the parametrium - the outer lining of the uterus, or the myometrium - the muscular lining.It causes menstrual irregularities and health problems.
- Severe degree – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.It causes serious disorders in the sexual sphere, high risk of diseases and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the injury.In the early stages, it usually occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital region, heaviness and pain appear.
These sensations change in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may intensify during bleeding and weaken a few days later.
A woman may notice that her periods have become more painful and heavy.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems with conception and pregnancy arise.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of these is the gynecological examination.Identifies dilated veins in the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.Your data may indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, cervical erosion.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows the detection of dilation of the parametrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information about the state of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, an MRI, a vaginal smear, a blood test for sex hormones and a diagnostic curettage are prescribed.
Which specialist should I contact for help?
Treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
As the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can also participate in your treatment if necessary.
Therapy methods
Before starting treatment, you must undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of other disorders.
For greater efficiency, an integrated approach is used.Several therapy methods are used at the same time, which makes it more successful.
Drug treatment
It includes the use of drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall - Hesperidin, Diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the vascular wall tissue, the following is prescribed:
- Ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Rutin.
Its use is permitted even during pregnancy and after childbirth, if the first symptoms appear.
Additionally, the doctor may recommend blood thinning medications - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, its use is allowed only after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefit outweighs the possible harm.
Compression and sclerosation therapy
Compression stockings and belts are used to prevent varicose vein complications.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
Due to this, normal or near-normal venous flow is maintained throughout the pelvis.The degree of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear these underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure for introducing a special medication into the vessels that stimulates a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete obstruction of the damaged vein and its transformation into constriction.Blood flow stops completely.
This procedure can be performed in the 2nd-3rd trimester of pregnancy if there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment consists of removing the affected area.It can be performed in different ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, partial resection of the ovary is necessary.And sometimes complete removal of the uterus from the fallopian tubes.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic exercise
These are exercises that help improve blood flow and reduce venous stagnation.The most effective:
- "birch";
- arching the back in the knee-elbow position;
- exercises to lift the legs and sacral region.
They promote the outflow of blood due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than hospital therapy, but can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal plants are used - willow, oak branches, lemon balm and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood flow.
Recommendations for prevention
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors that affect venous flow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, set aside time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Prevention of the disease during pregnancy is of particular importance.During this period, be sure to monitor nutrition and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.