In contrast to a similar disease in the lower extremities, varicose veins in the pelvic area are not always noticeable, but are very harmful to health.May lead to deterioration of blood flow to internal organs and dysfunction.
Difference between varicose veins and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good condition - so blood flow can be maintained.
The walls contract, although not as much as in the arteries.This effect is enhanced by contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All veins that are located below the heart, i.e.h.in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis and chest, have valves on their walls.These are “pockets” that are formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are arranged in such a way that blood flow to the heart can pass unhindered.When it moves backwards, it fills the valves and closes the vessel.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins are subject to a number of changes in the valve system.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid is diverted and causes healthy vessels to overflow.And they can also cause sound problems.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any area of the body.
The most noticeable are the manifestations of pathology on the legs - this leads to a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs remains asymptomatic for a long time.
It is most dangerous for the female reproductive organs, less often for the bladder.Varicose veins of the rectum manifest as hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins in the pelvic area can have various causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, to a deterioration in its function.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disruption.Physical impacts can lead to vascular ruptures and bleeding.
Reasons
Refers to multifactorial, i.e.h.arises due to a combination of several reasons.Including:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- obesity;
- Diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- 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 such a pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible to this than men.
The first signs usually appear around age 40 or in late pregnancy.The actual onset of 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.Most often asymptomatic, may be transient and require repeat examination.
- Intermediate degree – enlargement of the large veins of the parametrium – the outer lining of the uterus, or the myometrium – the muscular lining.Causes menstrual irregularities and poor health.
- Severe degree – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.Causes serious sexual dysfunction, high risk of disease and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the early stages it usually has no symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital area, a feeling of heaviness and pain occur.
The intensity of these sensations varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may increase during bleeding and become weaker for a few days afterwards.
A woman may notice that her period has become more painful and heavier.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems with conception and pregnancy arise.
Diagnostic methods
There are different ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of these is a gynecological examination.Identifies dilated veins on the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.Its data can indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, erosion of the cervix.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows detection of dilatation of the parametrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information about 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 contact if I need help?
Treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.If you have hormonal disorders, you should consult an endocrinologist.
Since this is a multifactorial disease, other specialists can also be involved in the treatment if necessary.
Therapy methods
Before starting treatment, you should undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of other diseases.
An integrated approach is used for greater efficiency.Several therapy methods are used at the same time, which increases success.
Drug treatment
Involves taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall – hesperidin, diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the vascular wall tissue, the following is prescribed:
- ascorbic acid;
- nicotinic acid;
- Rutin.
Its use is also permitted during pregnancy and after birth, when the first symptoms appear.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood-thinning medications – acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is allowed only after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefits outweigh the possible harm.
Compression and sclerotherapy therapy
To prevent complications from varicose veins, compression tights and belts are worn.They put pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing overflow.
This maintains normal or near-normal venous drainage throughout the pelvis.The degree of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear such underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a special medication is introduced into the vessels, which triggers a short-term inflammatory reaction.And then - complete closure of the damaged vein and its transformation into a narrowing.The blood flow in it comes to a complete standstill.
This procedure can be performed in the 2nd to 3rd trimester of pregnancy, provided there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment involves removal of the affected area.It can be performed in different ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, partial resection of the ovary is necessary.And sometimes 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 circulation and reduce venous stagnation.Most effective:
- "Birch";
- Back arch in knee-elbow position;
- Exercises for raising the legs and sacrum area.
They promote blood drainage due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Conventional treatment methods are less effective than hospital therapy, but can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal plants are used – willow, oak branches, meadow weed and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, relieve tension and stimulate blood circulation.
Recommendations for prevention
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors affecting venous outflow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, make time for exercise and keep your weight within the normal range.
Prevention of the disease during pregnancy is particularly important.During this time, be sure to monitor both diet and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.