Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar ailment of the lower extremities, are not always noticeable, but 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 the arteries.This effect is enhanced by contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All veins located under the heart, that is, in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have valves on their walls.They are “pockets” formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located in such a way that the blood flowing to the heart passes unhindered.With a 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 system.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood to stagnate.
Some of the fluid bypasses, causing healthy vessels to overflow.And also causing tone disorders already present 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 obvious: this creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs is asymptomatic for a long time.
It is more dangerous for the female reproductive organs, less often for the bladder.Rectal varicose veins manifest as hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins of the pelvis can have various causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, to a deterioration of its function.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can cause rupture of vessels and bleeding.
Reasons
It refers to multifactorial, that is, it arises due to a combination of a number of reasons.Among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestine;
- hard physical work.
The presence of one or more unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk of this pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible to it than men.
The first signs usually appear around the age of 40 or at the end of 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.In most cases it is asymptomatic, may be temporary and require repeated tests.
- Medium degree - expansion of the large veins of the parametrium - the outer covering of the uterus, or myometrium - the muscular covering.It causes menstrual irregularities and poor health.
- Severe degree – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.It causes serious disorders in the sexual sphere, a high risk of diseases and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the early stages, it most often occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital area, 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 heavier.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems arise with conception and pregnancy.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of these is a gynecological examination.Identify dilated veins on the skin, vaginal wall, and cervix.Its data can indirectly indicate the cause: endometriosis, cervical erosion.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows you to detect the dilation of the parameters, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information on the state of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, an MRI, a vaginal smear, a blood test for sex hormones and diagnostic curettage are prescribed.
Which specialist should I turn to for help?
The treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
Since the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can also participate in its treatment if necessary.
Methods of therapy
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of other ailments.
For greater efficiency, an integrated approach is used.Several methods of therapy are used at once, which makes it more effective.
Pharmacological treatment
It includes taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall: hesperidin, diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the tissue of the vascular wall, the following is prescribed:
- ascorbic acid;
- nicotinic acid;
- Rutina.
Their use is also permitted during pregnancy and after giving birth, if the first symptoms have appeared at that time.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood-thinning drugs: acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is allowed only after consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefits outweigh the possible harm.
Compression and sclerosing therapy
Compression tights and belts are worn to prevent complications of varicose veins.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
For this reason, normal or near-normal venous outflow is maintained throughout the pelvis.The degree of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear this underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure for introducing a special drug into the vessels that stimulates a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete obstruction of the damaged vein and its transformation into a constriction.The blood flow inside it stops completely.
This procedure can be performed in the 2-3 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 it is necessary to perform a partial resection of the ovary.And sometimes the complete removal of the uterus of 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 of the back in the knee-elbow position;
- exercises for lifting the legs and sacral area.
They promote the outflow of blood due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than hospital therapy, however they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal plants are used: willow, oak branches, couscous grass and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood flow.
Prevention recommendations
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors affecting venous outflow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, make time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Prevention of the disease during pregnancy is of particular importance.During this time, be sure to monitor both your nutrition and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.