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 regard, the diagnosis of pathology is difficult today.Many specialists of 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 varicose veins of the pelvic vessels?
When talking about varicose veins of the small pelvis, many people remember hemorrhoids.However, when the issue concerns the female population, the problem takes on global proportions.In women, the intestinal vessels are not necessarily affected by pelvic varicose veins.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 the blood vessels.For some reason, the veins lose their elasticity.As before, they absorb the necessary amount of blood, but can no longer push it out.As a result, the biological fluid stagnates in the vessels.The walls stretch, thin 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 closer to 30-40 years old.The danger of varicose veins is that stagnant processes develop in the elongated vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins of the small pelvis significantly reduce the quality of life of women and cause other health problems.
Causes of varicose veins of the pelvis
Since varicose veins in the pelvis in women began to receive attention relatively recently, the problem is not yet fully understood.Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the disease.There are several hypotheses regarding the onset of the pathology, but so far none of them have been recognized.
The causes of varicose veins in the pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.The observations show that the patients examined had cases of vascular disease at a young age in their family.
- Wrong lifestyle.Vascular diseases develop due to poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other connective tissue components leads to stretching of blood vessels.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people experience connective tissue dysplasia and acquire vascular diseases in older age.Of these, approximately 70% are women.At the same time, experts have not yet learned to anticipate such changes and effectively prevent varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Risk factors
Varicose veins of the pelvis develop more often in women who:
- have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- you spend a lot of time sitting;
- not living an intimate life;
- I am overweight;
- suffer from varicose veins of the lower limbs;
- having given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins of the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins have symptoms.Many women are unaware of their illness for many years and discover it suddenly.Some have clinical manifestations but associate them with other conditions.Due to the difficulty of diagnosis and the lack of attention to this pathology, even doctors often make mistakes when making the 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;
- a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower limbs;
- increase in platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has the classic symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, then 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 of the pelvis can cause pregnancy in women 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 varicose veins of the small pelvis should receive special attention.During the gestation period, various problems with the blood supply to the placenta are possible, which lead to irreversible consequences in the development of the fetus.With an increased level of platelets in the blood, women need injections of weight-loss drugs to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in clinic
The doctor may suspect the presence of varicose veins of the small pelvis in a woman already at the first examination.The gynecologist compares symptoms, evaluates risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.Upon palpation the patient feels pain in the pelvic area.If varicose veins are present on the external genitalia or inner thighs, there is a high probability that the problem is also present in the pelvis.To confirm the pathology, clinics use hardware and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pelvis, specialists often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, newer ultrasound scanning machines allow you to examine your veins.Varicose veins are tortuous and dilated and also have an unnatural location.
- Dopplerography of blood vessels.Diagnostics evaluates the condition of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.In varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is found 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 computerized or magnetic study using a contrast medium allows you to examine in detail the location of the veins and see the areas of their expansion.
Additionally, laboratory tests may be used.For differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes further 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.With varicose veins of the pelvis it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient's painful symptoms.
The treatment of vascular pathologies is necessarily integrated with lifestyle correction.It is important to reduce cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, adhere to proper nutrition and abandon bad habits.
During pregnancy it is recommended to regularly consult a phlebologist.If necessary, your doctor will prescribe unscheduled tests.During pregnancy in the second half of the gestational period, you can use drugs to maintain the tone of the veins, but only on prescription from your doctor.Medicines prescribed during pregnancy are first evaluated in terms of expected benefits and possible risks.
Treatment in clinic
If no results are achieved 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 evaluation 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 is found in middle-aged women and does not threaten girls.Varicose veins begin to develop many years before the clinical picture appears.Therefore, the prevention of vascular disorders is necessary for everyone.
Advised:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to a correct diet;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid diagnostic check-up programs, offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect pelvic varicose veins, you should contact a gynecologist and phlebologist.