Varicose veins are considered more of a "female" disease, affecting the fairer sex more often than men, due to the gender and genetic characteristics of the structure and functioning of the body.The pathology is accompanied by pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms;it can affect other organs besides the legs, endangering the woman's health, so it must be treated immediately.
Reasons
The main causes of varicose veins in women's legs are:
- long-term wearing of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and constrictive clothing (tight jeans, shapewear);
- overweight, obesity;
- hereditary predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- heavy physical activity;
- common nervous system disorders;
- leg injuries;
- prolonged sitting in a cross-legged position;
- bad habits.
A common reason for the development of varicose veins of the lower limbs and pelvic organs is hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself when:
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- age of change;
- menstrual disorders;
- taking hormonal drugs (for example, contraceptives).
Venous congestion of the pelvis is also manifested as a result of:
- long-term inflammatory process;
- regular interruption of sexual intercourse for a long time, especially in the absence of orgasm;
- frequent constipation;
- abortions;
- difficult childbirth;
- bending or prolapse of the uterus;
- pelvic tumors.
Signs
The first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower limbs:
- fatigue;
- heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening;
- burning and swelling;
- the appearance of spider veins and blue webbing.
Without treatment, patients face:
- night cramps;
- skin itching in the affected areas.
In an advanced stage, additional signs appear:
- pigment spots are concentrated in the lower third of the leg;
- cyanosis (blue discoloration of certain areas of the skin);
- sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs and uterus are characterized by specific symptoms:
- severe constant or intermittent abdominal pain that may become more intense after ovulation or during menopause;
- menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea);
- vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
- sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the vagina;
- pain during intercourse;
- pressure, difficulty in the pelvic area;
- difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
- swelling of the vulva, vagina;
- venous nodules on the buttocks and perineum.
The intensity and nature of the manifestations are individual.Some women may experience only 2-3 symptoms, while others may experience all of the above.
Why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins should be treated on time, as the disease can cause complications and unpleasant consequences:
- Eczema or trophic ulcers on the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
- Dermatitis in the affected areas of the legs.
- Formation of blood clots due to stagnation of blood in the veins.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Pulmonary embolism.The detached thrombus travels through the bloodstream to the pulmonary artery, and this threatens a pulmonary infarction or sudden death of a person.
Disease of the uterus negatively affects the functioning of the endocrine system: in advanced stages, there is a decrease in the level of female hormones and dysfunction of the ovaries, which causes menstrual disorders.This process often leads to problems with conception and childbearing, including infertility.
Abnormal expansion of the veins of the pelvic organs is also dangerous:
- uterine bleeding;
- the impossibility of natural childbirth and the risk of spontaneous abortion;
- thrombophlebitis of the uterine walls;
- thrombosis (occlusion) of the ovarian veins.
Treatment
It includes medication and physical therapy, compression, exercise, and lifestyle changes to help prevent serious complications and the need for surgery.
Drug
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins and lower limbs at any stage is impossible without medical support.In the initial stage, it becomes the basis of the treatment, in the more advanced stage it supplements the package of measures.
- Phlebotonics– strengthens the walls of the veins, reduces the inflammatory process.
- Direct and indirect anticoagulants- thins the blood, facilitates its movement through the blood vessels.To avoid complications such as bleeding, the drugs are used under the supervision of a specialist.
- Fibrinolytics– dissolves the formed blood clots and reduces blood clotting.
Additional drug groups are prescribed, taking into account the accompanying symptoms:
- NSAIDs– eliminates pain, relieves swelling and inflammation.
- Female sex hormone preparationswith hormonal disorders.
- Blood thinners (coagulants)- hemostatic drugs to treat uterine bleeding.
- Antibiotics- prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.
Minimally invasive interventions
- Sclerotherapy- gluing the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosing substance to block the vein from blood circulation.The treated area is overgrown with fibrous tissue and gradually dissolves.
- Laser coagulation– laser welding of dilated veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation– intravascular thermal effect on the vessel wall to seal the lumen.
Operation
It is indicated for the development of complications of the disease and the ineffectiveness of drug therapy.In addition to the classical methods of surgical treatment of the lower limbs (different types of phlebectomies), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvis:
- Embolization of varicose veins in the ovary– through the catheter introduced into the femoral or jugular vein and introduced into the affected area, first a contrast material for hardware monitoring of the progress of the operation is delivered, and then an embolizing drug that clogs the affected vein is delivered.
- Cutting– compression of pelvic veins with special medical clips.We monitor the progress of the intervention using an endoscope.
- Resection (complete or partial removal) of blood vessels.– performed from the perineum (labia majora area) or the peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the line of the labia, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of the pathology, resection of the veins is performed with several punctures, if the lesion is detected in the area of the vagina and vulva.In the case of spread to the ovarian vein and uterus, the operation is performed through the retroperitoneum with a laparoscope or endoscope.
Physiotherapy
- Hirudotherapy– treatment with leeches.It increases the elasticity of the vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents blood clots, and eliminates pain and swelling.
- Massage– increases the elasticity of the blood vessels, normalizes the function of the valves, strengthens the venous walls, it can only be performed in the initial stages of the disease.
- Gymnastics and gymnastics therapy– Regular exercise has a positive effect on vascular tone, prevents relapse and alleviates the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: birch tree, bicycle, squat, scissor.Such exercise helps to normalize blood flow and eliminate blood vessel congestion.Also useful: swimming, jogging, cycling.
- Hardening.As a result of the alternating cold and heat, the tone of the vessel walls increases, blood circulation speeds up, microcirculation in the tissues is restored, the inflow of arterial blood, outflow from the lymphatic and venous system increases, and metabolic processes are activated.You need to start watering with warm water.
- UHF therapy- the effect of an ultra-high frequency, continuous pulsed electric field.It is pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, improves blood circulation, and stimulates the immune system.
- Myostimulation– the effect of low-intensity current on the muscles.It helps increase the speed of blood flow, eliminates swelling, pain and discomfort.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical procedures are used - electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, pressotherapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.
Compression garments
The positive effect of the special knitwear is due to the even redistribution of the pressure on the muscles and the gentle massage of the blood vessels, which results in:
- the speed of blood flow through the deep veins increases;
- stagnation of blood and lymph ceases;
- the severity of the signs of varicose veins decreases;
- the load on the legs is reduced;
- Complications after pregnancy, childbirth and surgery can be avoided.
For varicose veins of the lower limbs, stockings, knee socks and elastic bandages are used;shorts and stockings are used for damage to the pelvic organs.
Diet
Varicose veins that develop in the legs and pelvis require dietary adjustments to supply the necessary nutrients to the enlarged and weakened veins.Dietary nutrition includes the consumption of large amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in plant fiber and protein foods.It is recommended to drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fatty, fried, pickled and smoked foods should be excluded from the menu, the amount of empty carbohydrates in the diet should be reduced in order to get rid of excess weight, reduce the load on blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Folk recipes
In the treatment of varicose veins of the legs and pelvis, it is permissible to use home remedies in combination with medication.They can only be used after consultation with a doctor.
The most effective plants for varicose veins:
- horse chestnut;
- dandelion;
- Kombucha
Infusions, decoctions for internal and external use, ointments are made from them.
Prevention
Preventive measures are useful not only for women at risk of developing the pathology, but also for those who already suffer from varicose veins:
- leads an active lifestyle;
- normalizes the rest and work schedule;
- use gentle birth control methods;
- take a contrast shower;
- do gymnastic exercises daily;
- eat right;
- see a massage therapist;
- take preventive venotonia courses;
- prevents constipation;
- minimize stress.
Special attention should be paid to prevention in the case of pregnant women;according to statistics, in 40% of cases, pathological dilatation of veins in the pelvic area and lower limbs can be observed.