Modern medicine does not pay much attention to varicose veins of the small pelvis.This problem began to be discussed only in the 80s of the last century.In this sense, the diagnosis of pathology is difficult today.Many specialists from Soviet schools do not understand the treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, vascular diseases continue to progress and cause serious changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
What are pelvic varicose veins?
When talking about varicose veins of the small pelvis, many people remember hemorrhoids.However, when the issue concerns the female population, the problem assumes global proportions.The intestinal vessels do not necessarily suffer from pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, the absence of hemorrhoids is not a guarantee that the patient does not have pelvic varicose veins.
The first mention of pelvic varicose veins in women appeared only in 1975. Initially, surgical methods were used for treatment, which were not justified.
Pelvic varicose veins are an unnatural stretching of blood vessels.For some reason, veins lose their elasticity.They, as before, absorb the required amount of blood, but can no longer expel it.As a result, biological fluid stagnates in the vessels.The walls stretch, become thinner and become damaged.The disease progresses throughout life and does not manifest itself immediately.Therefore, most often, varicose veins of the pelvis are found in women close to 30-40 years of age.The danger of varicose veins is that stagnant processes develop in distended vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins in the small pelvis greatly reduce women's quality of life and cause other health problems.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
Since varicose veins of the pelvis in women began to receive attention relatively recently, the problem is still not fully understood.Doctors cannot identify the exact cause of the disease.There are different hypotheses about the occurrence of the pathology, but none of them have been recognized to date.
The causes of varicose veins in the pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.Observations show that the patients examined had cases of vascular diseases at a young age in the family.
- Wrong lifestyle.Vascular diseases develop as a result of poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other components of connective tissue leads to stretching of blood vessels.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people have connective tissue dysplasia and acquire vascular diseases in old age.Of these, around 70% are women.At the same time, experts have not yet learned to anticipate these changes and effectively prevent varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Risk factors
Varicose veins in the pelvis develop more frequently in women who:
- have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- spend a lot of time sitting;
- do not live an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffers from varicose veins in the lower extremities;
- have given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins of the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins experience symptoms.Many women have been unaware of their illness for many years and discover it suddenly.Some present clinical manifestations, but associate them with other conditions.Due to the difficult diagnosis and little attention to this pathology, doctors also make errors in diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of abdominal pain and the doctor reveals inflammation of the appendages, but in reality the symptom is caused by varicose veins.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain in the lower segment of the abdominal cavity, radiating to the sacrum or leg;
- discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower extremities;
- increase in platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, this disorder must be excluded.For this purpose, clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy
Varicose veins in the pelvis can cause women to become pregnant because blood circulation in the pelvis is impaired.If the disease affects the gonads, their functioning changes.However, in most cases, varicose veins do not prevent conception, but they can cause problems during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, patients with pelvic varicose veins should receive special attention.During the gestational period, several problems with blood supply to the placenta are possible, which lead to irreversible consequences for the development of the fetus.With an elevated level of platelets in the blood, women require injections of thinning medications to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
The doctor is able to suspect varicose veins of the small pelvis in a woman already during the first examination.The gynecologist compares symptoms, evaluates risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.On palpation, the patient feels pain in the pelvic region.If there are varicose veins on the external genitalia or on the inner thigh, then with a high degree of probability the problem is also present in the pelvis.To confirm pathology, clinics use instrumental and hardware techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pelvis, experts often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, newer ultrasound machines allow you to examine veins.In varicose veins, they are tortuous and dilated, in addition to having an unnatural location.
- Dopplerography of blood vessels.Diagnosis assesses the condition of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.In varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is detected in the iliac veins of the ovary and uterus.
- Laparoscopy.Using an optical system, surgeons examine the inside of the abdominal wall, the surface of the uterus, and the appendages.
- Tomography.A computer or magnetic study using a contrast agent allows you to examine the location of the veins in detail and see the areas of their expansion.
Additionally, laboratory tests may be used.For differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes additional tests, based on the results obtained.
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women
In the absence of pronounced changes in the veins, patients are prescribed drug treatment.Venotonics and anticoagulants are used, and vitamin therapy is recommended.Typically, one to four courses are offered over the course of a year.In pelvic varicose veins, it is important to improve quality of life and relieve the patient of painful symptoms.
Treatment of vascular pathologies is necessarily complemented by lifestyle correction.It is important to reduce cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, adhere to a proper diet and give up bad habits.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to regularly consult a phlebologist.If necessary, the doctor will prescribe unscheduled examinations.During pregnancy in the second half of the gestational period, medications can be used to maintain vein tone, but only as prescribed by a doctor.Medications prescribed during pregnancy are first evaluated for expected benefits and possible risks.
Treatment in the clinic
If there are no results after outpatient treatment, hospitalization may be recommended.Correction of pelvic varicose veins in clinics is performed surgically.Modern surgery uses minimally invasive techniques - sclerotherapy, laser coagulation and others.If necessary, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no single treatment regimen for varicose veins of the pelvis.An individual approach is selected for each woman.During the treatment process, the regimen can be changed based on the assessment of the results obtained.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the small pelvis should be carried out from a young age.It is a mistake to believe that this pathology occurs in middle-aged women and does not threaten girls.Varicose veins begin to develop many years before the clinical picture appears.Therefore, prevention of vascular diseases is necessary for everyone.
Recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to proper nutrition;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid check-up diagnostic programs offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect pelvic varicose veins, contact a gynecologist and phlebologist.