Varicose veins in our body can be located not only on the legs. The pelvic area is another place where varicose veins can also be present. A pathological condition in which there are dilated veins in the small pelvis, as a rule, occurs in women and is accompanied by periodic discomfort and aching pains in the lower abdomen. In men, varicose veins of the small pelvis are also found, but it mainly manifests itself with the expansion of the veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele). This pathological process in men can be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness in the scrotum, pain in intimacy.
According to statistics, varicose veins of the small pelvis, or as it is also called - chronic pelvic pain syndrome, occurs mainly in young women - from 18 to 48 years old. The number of patients with this disorder increases several times with age. The statistics are disappointing. So, at the age of 18-19, varicose veins of the small pelvis are detected in 15-18% of women, and by the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
The first reason is physical inactivity. It also includes the specificity of the patient's work, "sedentary" or "standing" work. Due to the long stay of a person in orthostasis, the venous outflow is disturbed and this leads to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically dilated veins no longer adhere closely to each other, a gap is formed between the valves, and the blood is drained due to the force of gravity. In such veins, the blood thickens and this can subsequently lead to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size, begins to press on the underlying veins. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of circulating blood in the small pelvis increases.
But, to calm women preparing for conception and pregnancy, such varicose veins do not carry a direct danger. With varicose veins of the small pelvis, childbirth is usually insignificant. An unpleasant moment: in 30-40% of pregnant women there is an enlargement of the veins of the vulva and perineum. But we must remember that immediately after childbirth, these veins significantly decrease, and after a year they completely disappear. After childbirth, varicose veins of the small pelvis remain in only 2-6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of various types of gynecological pathologies for the treatment of which hormonal drugs are used.
The fourth reason is smoking. It is very dangerous to smoke while taking hormonal contraceptives. Smoking thickens the blood just like hormonal contraceptives. Hence the many ridiculous incidents known in medicine, when smokers taking hormonal contraceptives died of thrombosis.
The fifth reason is obesity. With excess body weight, the load on the vessels increases significantly.
The sixth reason is the ecological situation in the region of residence, air pollution in cities, especially in megacities, increases the risks of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- painful periods;
- recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvic area, radiating to the sacrum, lower back, perineum;
- pain and discomfort in the vulva or vagina, during and after intimacy;
- abundant secretion of mucus from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- visible expansion of the venous vessels in the genital area, in the groin. "Asterisks", "net" on the buttocks and on the back of the thighs.
What to do if you have pelvic varicose vein symptoms?
If you find all of the above in yourself, do not delay a visit to the doctor, otherwise the possible complications will not make you wait long.
The first doctor you should see is a gynecologist.
He will conduct an examination, appoint all the necessary examinations. All patients with suspected pelvic varices undergo an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
To clarify the diagnosis, the patient is referred to a phlebologist. They perform ultrasound duplex scan of the lower extremity veins (USDG), which allows you to get a complete picture of venous outflow.
In difficult cases, a phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy). To establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the degree of the disease, these studies are enough.
The degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- 1 degree - veins of the small pelvis up to 5 mm in diameter (damage to any venous plexus of the small pelvis is noted), the course of the vessel is already taking on a tortuous appearance;
- 2 degrees - the size of the veins is from 6 to 10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are visible both in the entire small pelvis, and can only affect the ovarian plexus, or the veins of the uterus, or the veins of the myometrium;
- Grade 3 is a total of varicose veins of the small pelvis, varicose veins are more than 10 - 12 mm in diameter.
How to treat pelvic varicose veins?
Non-pharmacological treatments
- Fight against hypodynamia. If work is associated with prolonged sitting or standing, warm up after 1 - 1. 5 hours;
- Stop smoking, alcohol (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wear compression underwear (stockings, tights) to improve venous outflow from the lower limbs;
- Wear comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels;
- Diet (exclusion from the diet of salty, spicy, fried). Salty food always retains fluid in the body, which leads to edema, increased blood pressure - so it worsens the outflow of blood through the veins. You need to include more fiber in your diet (fruits, vegetables, herbs);
- Contrast shower, (especially in the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Pharmacological treatment
- Phlebotonics - to improve the tone of varicose veins, reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - to improve the outflow of blood from varicose veins, increase the tone of the veins, reduce inflammation and edema;
- Vitamin C - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce their fragility.
Venous gels and ointments are not used in the treatment of pelvic varicose veins due to the internal location of the affected veins.
Doctors recommend a mandatory combination of drug therapy with the use of compression stockings (stockings, tights). During pregnancy, there is a particular need for compression garments.
Surgery
Surgery is an extreme measure that is used when medical correction is impossible and ineffective and the disease is very advanced and can cause a number of complications.
Various techniques are used depending on the prevalence, location and diameter of the pathological veins. In the event that surgery is required, the selection of the type of surgical aid is individual, since it all depends on the location and prevalence.