When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate this disease with internal organs. More often, the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the proportion of pelvic vein varicose veins that are invisible to the armed eye makes up at least 5% of the total proportion of vascular disease, and most patients learn about the diagnosis by chance.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of fertile age. You have pelvic varicose veins, accompanied by symptoms similar to gynecological inflammation, the consequences of hormonal disorders and pathologies of the genitourinary system. For this reason, the disease has not been treated for a long time and continues to progress, which leads to serious, even life-threatening complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
By varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors mean a change in the structure of the vessel walls, which is characteristic of other types of diseases - weakening, followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" in which the 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, there are signs of varicose veins of the inguinal veins, vessels of the lower extremities.
The incidence of varicose veins of the pelvis is most pronounced in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological features that indicate a tendency to weaken the vein walls:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those associated with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
- increased pressure in the small pelvis, which is typical of pregnancy;
- Periods of more active filling of the veins with blood, including cyclical menstrual periods, during pregnancy and during intercourse.
All of the above phenomena belong to the category of factors that provoke varicose veins. And they only occur in women. The greatest number of patients are faced with pelvic varicose veins during pregnancy, since provoking factors are stratified at the same time. According to statistics, varicose veins of the pelvis are seven times less common in men than in the fairer sex. Your set of provoking factors is more diverse:
- Hypodynamia - long-term maintenance of little physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially pulling weights;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or clear refusal to have sex.
A genetic predisposition can also lead to pathology of the plexuses in the pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are most often diagnosed in women whose relatives suffered from this disease. The first changes in them can be observed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins in women with involvement of the pelvic vessels is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, it is a congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, pelvic varicose veins are associated with severe but unspecific symptoms. Often the manifestations of this disease are considered signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with involvement of the pelvic vessels are:
- Pain in the lower abdomen that is not related to the menstrual cycle. Their intensity depends on the stage of venous damage and the extent of the process. Periodic, mild pain that extends to the lower back is characteristic of the 1st degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis. In later stages it is felt in the abdomen, perineum, and lower back and is long-lasting and highly intense.
- Strong discharge of mucus. The so-called leucorrhea does not have an unpleasant smell, does not change its color, which would indicate an infection. The discharge volume increases in the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Even before menstruation begins, the pain in women increases to the point where walking difficulties occur. During menstrual bleeding, it can become unbearable and spread 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 as dull pain. It can be observed at the end of intercourse. In addition, the disease is associated with increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
As with varicose veins of the pelvis in men, the female part of patients with such a diagnosis gradually loses interest in sex. The cause of 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?
If symptoms of pelvic varicose veins develop in women, treatment should be started as early as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen the walls and improve blood circulation in the pelvic area.
For varicose veins of the pelvis, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the pelvis are detected in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and gynecologist are involved in treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative effect. Consists of regular and long-term medication. This method allows you to heal pelvic varicose veins early if the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Drug-free therapy. Consists of adherence to the daily routine, exercise. The method is considered an auxiliary method, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of the varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective or when a disease is discovered in later stages.
In drug therapy, several groups of drugs are taken that not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but can also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, which are supposed to improve venous outflow;
- A blood density-reducing drug that is prescribed to prevent thrombosis.
- Complex remedy for reducing unpleasant symptoms and strengthening blood vessels;
- herbal preparation for reducing edema and eliminating inflammation;
- A vitamin complex to strengthen the vein walls.
Almost all venotonic drugs for small pelvic varicose veins should not be taken during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, the doctor may prescribe them in minimal dosages from the 12th week of pregnancy.
Surgery for varicose veins in the pelvic organs is seen as a last resort. It is used in the absence of a positive dynamic with prolonged drug use. The surgical treatment methods used can vary 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 a ligation of the vena cava;
- a crossctomy is performed with a combination of varicose veins in the pelvis and lower extremities.
Before and after the intervention, women should undergo drug therapy, wear compression clothing, and follow a strict diet for weight loss.
Prevention
Preventing flare-ups and reducing the risk of progression are just as important as therapeutic measures. It includes training for pelvic varicose veins and a special diet. With their help it is possible:
- , to reduce weight, that is, to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improves blood circulation;
- reduces the chance of blood clots;
- reduces the risk of other complications.
In the exercises for varicose veins of the pelvis, you can include the classic "birch" and "scissors with feet", "bicycle" and lifting on toes from a standing position. Such loads stimulate the outflow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and thus help to reduce swelling of the veins. It is necessary to exercise regularly, preferably every day, morning and evening, with varicose veins of the small pelvis.
The peculiarities of the diet for pelvic varicose veins are the inclusion of foods rich in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, omega-3 and omega-6) in the diet. Dietary fiber is necessary to improve bowel function and to remove congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are necessary to strengthen the walls of the veins and reduce blood viscosity. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- Whole grain cereals - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
- skinless chicken or turkey fillets;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh juices, compotes.
It is necessary to eat fractionated, giving preference to cooked, stewed and baked dishes, as well as salads made from fresh vegetables.
Complications
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, the list of situations in which varicose veins of the pelvis are dangerous in women includes a greater number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other exclusively vascular complications, against the background of the disease, the following can occur:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This isn't the only danger of varicose veins in the pelvis. Since the disease often worsens during pregnancy, it poses 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 light weight, underdeveloped lungs, etc.
During childbirth with varicose veins in the groin, the vascular walls can tear. It is fraught with profuse blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors usually prescribe women with pelvic varicose veins a caesarean section followed by a vein ligation.