When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate this disease with internal organs. Most often, the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the share of varicose veins of the pelvic veins, which are not visible to the armed eye, accounts for at least 5% of the total share of vascular diseases, and most patients learn the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing age. They have pelvic varicose veins accompanied by symptoms reminiscent of gynecological inflammation, the consequences of hormonal disorders and pathologies of the genitourinary system. This is why the disease has not been cured in a long time and continues to progress, leading to serious complications, including life-threatening ones.
Causes and risk factors
By varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors mean a change in the structure of the vascular walls characteristic of other types of disease - weakening followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" within which blood stagnates. Cases in which only the vessels of the pelvic organs are affected are extremely rare. In about 80% of patients, along with this form, signs of varicose veins of the inguinal veins and vessels of the lower extremities are observed.
The incidence of varicose veins of the small pelvis is more pronounced in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological features that suggest a tendency to weaken the venous walls:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those associated with menstruation and pregnancy;
- increased pressure in the small pelvis, typical of pregnancy;
- periods of more active filling of the veins with blood, including cyclical menstrual periods, during pregnancy and during sex.
All the above phenomena belong to the category of factors that provoke varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. The greatest number of patients are faced with varicose veins of the small pelvis during pregnancy, as there is a simultaneous stratification of provoking factors. According to statistics, among men, varicose veins of the small pelvis are 7 times less common than in the fair sex. Their set of provoking factors is more diverse:
- hypodynamia: long-term preservation of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially by dragging weights;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or lucid refusal to have sex.
A genetic predisposition can also lead to pathologies of the plexuses located within the small pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are often diagnosed in women whose relatives suffered from this ailment. The first changes in them can be observed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins in women with pelvic vessel involvement is observed in patients with venous disease elsewhere in the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, pelvic varicose veins are accompanied by severe, but non-specific symptoms. Often the manifestations of this disease are considered to be signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with pelvic vessel involvement are:
- Non-menstrual pain in the lower abdomen. Their intensity depends on the stage of the venous damage and the extent of the process. For the 1st degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis, periodic and mild pain is characteristic, extending to the lower back. In the later stages, it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back and is long lasting and intense.
- Abundant mucous discharge. The so-called leukorrhea does not have an unpleasant smell, does not change color, which would indicate an infection. The discharge volume increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea. Even before the onset of menstruation, pain in women increases, up to the onset of difficulty walking. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable, spreading to the entire pelvic area, perineum, lower back, and even the thighs.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins in the groin in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and vagina and is characterized by a dull pain. It can be observed at the end of the relationship. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings.
As with varicose veins of the small pelvis in men, the female part of patients with this diagnosis gradually loses interest in sex. The cause of the dysfunction is both constant discomfort and a decrease in the production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility can occur.
How are pelvic varicose veins treated?
When women develop symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen their walls and improve blood flow in the pelvic area.
For pelvic varicose veins, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the small pelvis are detected in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and a gynecologist are involved in the treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative impact. It consists of regular and long-term medications. Using this method, you can cure pelvic varicose veins at an early stage, when the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Drug-free therapy. It consists in adhering to the daily routine, exercise. The method is considered auxiliary, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective, as well as when a disease is detected in the later stages.
Drug therapy involves taking several groups of drugs that can not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, designed to improve venous outflow;
- A drug that reduces blood density, prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex remedy to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation designed to reduce edema, eliminate inflammation;
- A complex of vitamins designed to strengthen the venous walls.
Almost all venotonic drugs for small pelvic varicose veins are not recommended during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, the doctor may prescribe them in minimal dosages starting at 12 weeks of gestation.
Surgery for varicose vessels in the pelvic organs is considered a last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged use of drugs. The methods of surgical treatment used may differ depending on the location of the vessels damaged by the disease:
- if only the internal veins are affected, the ovarian vein is ligated;
- with a combination of varicose veins of the pelvic organs with varicose veins of the perineum, the surgeon performs ligation of the vena cava;
- with a combination of varicose veins in the small pelvis and lower limbs, crossectomy is performed.
Before and after surgery, women should undergo a course of drug therapy, wear compression garments and follow a strict weight loss diet.
Prevention
Preventing exacerbations and reducing the risk of progression are as important as therapeutic measures. It means doing exercises for pelvic varicose veins and following a special diet. With their help you can:
- to reduce weight, that is, to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improves blood flow;
- reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- reduces the risk of other complications.
In the exercise set for varicose veins of the small pelvis, you can include the classic "Birch" and "Scissors with feet", "Bicycle" and lifting on tiptoe from standing position. Such loads stimulate the outflow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps to reduce swelling of the veins. It is necessary to regularly perform gymnastics with varicose veins of the small pelvis, preferably every day, morning and evening.
The peculiarities of the diet for pelvic varicose veins consist in the inclusion in the diet of foods rich in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve bowel function and eliminate congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the walls of the veins, to reduce the viscosity of the blood. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- whole grains - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus;
- skinless chicken or turkey fillets;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh fruit juices, compotes.
It is necessary to eat fractionally, giving preference to boiled, stewed and baked dishes, salads from fresh vegetables.
Complications
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, the list of situations in which varicose veins of the small pelvis are dangerous in women includes a greater number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other exclusively vascular complications, the following can occur against the background of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This is not the only danger of varicose veins in the small pelvis. Since the disease is often exacerbated during pregnancy, there is a threat not only to the woman, but also to the fetus. The main complication of this form of varicose veins, which progresses against the background of pregnancy, is the delay in fetal development. Women with this diagnosis are more likely to give birth to a premature baby with low weight, underdeveloped lungs, etc.
During childbirth with varicose veins in the groin, the vessel walls can rupture. It is fraught with profuse blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors are inclined to prescribe a caesarean section followed by ligation of the veins for women with pelvic varicose veins.