Modern medicine pays little attention to varicose veins of the pelvis.This problem was discussed only in the 80s of the last century.In this regard, diagnosing pathology is difficult today.Many Soviet school specialists 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 people talk about varicose veins of the pelvis, many people think of hemorrhoids.However, when it comes to the female population, the problem takes on global proportions.The intestinal vessels do not necessarily suffer from pelvic varicose veins in women.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 was only in 1975. Initially, surgical methods were used for treatment, but these were not justified.
Pelvic varicose veins are an unnatural expansion of the blood vessels.For some reason, veins lose their elasticity.They still absorb the amount of blood they need, but can no longer push it out again.This causes the biological fluid to stagnate in the vessels.The walls stretch, become thinner and become damaged.The disease progresses throughout life and does not manifest itself immediately.Therefore, pelvic varicose veins most often occur in women around the age of 30 to 40.The danger of varicose veins is that congestion processes develop in stretched vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins of the pelvis significantly affect the quality of life of women and cause other health problems.
Causes of varicose veins in the pelvis
Since varicose veins in the pelvic area in women have only recently received attention, the problem is not yet fully understood.Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the disease.There are different hypotheses regarding the occurrence of pathologies, but none of them have yet received recognition.
The causes of varicose veins in the pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.Observations show that the patients examined had cases of vascular disease in their families at a young age.
- Wrong lifestyle.Vascular diseases arise from poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other components of connective tissue leads to dilation of blood vessels.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people suffer from connective tissue dysplasia and develop vascular diseases in old age.Of these, around 70% are female.At the same time, experts have not yet learned how to anticipate such changes and effectively prevent varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Risk factors
Varicose veins in the pelvic area develop more often in women who:
- have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- spend a lot of time sitting;
- do not lead an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffer from varicose veins of the lower extremities;
- have given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins in the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins have symptoms.Many women are unaware of their illness for years and suddenly find out about it.Some have clinical manifestations but associate them with other diseases.Due to the difficulty of diagnosis and the lack of attention given to this pathology, doctors also often make mistakes when making a diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of stomach pain and the doctor diagnoses inflammation of the extremities, but in reality the symptom is caused by varicose veins.
Symptoms of the disease:
- Pain in the lower part 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 genitals, lower extremities;
- Increase in platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of varicose veins in the pelvic area, this disease must be excluded.For this purpose, clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Varicose veins in the pelvis during pregnancy
Varicose veins in the pelvic area can cause women to become pregnant because blood circulation in the pelvis is impaired.When the disease affects the gonads, their function changes.However, in most cases, varicose veins do not prevent conception, but can lead to problems during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, patients with pelvic varicose veins should receive special attention.During pregnancy, various problems with the blood supply to the placenta are possible, which lead to irreversible consequences for the development of the fetus.With elevated platelet levels, women need injections of thinning medications to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
During the first examination, the doctor may suspect that a woman has varicose veins in the pelvis.The gynecologist compares symptoms, assesses risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.When palpated, the patient feels pain in the pelvic area.If there are varicose veins on the external genitals or on the inside of the thigh, the problem is most likely also in the pelvis.To confirm pathology, clinics use hardware and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasonic.When examining the pelvis, specialists often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, modern ultrasound devices make it possible to examine the veins.In varicose veins, they are twisted and enlarged and also have an unnatural position.
- Dopplerography of blood vessels.Diagnostics assesses the condition of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.With varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is noted in the pelvic 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 appendages.
- Tomography.A computer or magnetic examination using a contrast agent allows you to examine the location of the veins in detail and identify the areas of their expansion.
Laboratory tests can also be used.For the differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes further examinations based on the results obtained.
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women
If there are no pronounced changes in the veins, patients are prescribed drug treatment.Venotonics and anticoagulants are used, vitamin therapy is recommended.Typically one to four courses are offered over the course of a year.In the case of varicose veins in the pelvic area, it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient of painful symptoms.
Treatment of vascular diseases is necessarily complemented by lifestyle correction.It is important to lower cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, eat right and give up bad habits.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to regularly visit a phlebologist.If necessary, the doctor will order unscheduled examinations.During pregnancy in the second half of pregnancy, medications to maintain venous tone can be used, but only as prescribed by a doctor.Medicines prescribed during pregnancy are first assessed for their expected benefits and possible risks.
Treatment in the clinic
If there are no results after outpatient treatment, hospitalization may be recommended.The correction of varicose veins in the pelvic area is carried out surgically in clinics.In modern surgery, minimally invasive techniques are used - sclerotherapy, laser coagulation and others.If necessary, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no standard treatment regimen for varicose veins in the pelvic area.An individual approach is chosen for each woman.During the treatment process, the regime may be changed based on an assessment of the results achieved.
Prevention
Prevention of pelvic varicose veins should begin at a young age.It is a mistake to believe that this pathology occurs in middle-aged women and does not threaten young girls.Varicose veins begin to develop many years before the disease appears.Therefore, prevention of vascular diseases is necessary for everyone.
Recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to proper nutrition;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintaining normal body weight;
- Undergo regular medical examinations or paid check-up diagnostic programs offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect varicose veins in the pelvis, you should contact a gynecologist and phlebologist.