When it comes to varicose veins, few associate this disease with internal organs. It is more often associated with pathology of the lower extremities. Meanwhile, the varicose veins in the pelvic veins, which are not visible to the armed eye, account for at least 5% of the total rate of vascular disease, and most patients are accidentally diagnosed with the diagnosis.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing potential. They have pelvic varicose veins reminiscent of gynecological inflammation, the consequences of hormonal disorders, and pathologies of the urogenital system. That is why the disease has not been treated for a long time and continues to develop, leading to serious complications, including life-threatening ones.
Causes and risk factors
In women with varicose veins of the pelvic organs, doctors report changes in the structure of the walls of blood vessels typical of other types of disease - weakening and then stretching and the formation of "pockets" within which the blood stagnates. Extremely rare cases where only the vessels of the pelvic organs are affected. Approximately 80% of patients with this form have varicose marks in the inguinal veins, vessels of the lower extremities.
The incidence of varicose veins in the pelvis is most evident in women. This is due to the tendency of anatomical and physiological features to weaken venous walls:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those related to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
- increased pressure in the small pelvis, which is characteristic of pregnancy;
- Periods of more active filling of veins with blood, including cyclic menstrual periods, during pregnancy and during sex.
Each of the above phenomena belongs to the category of factors that cause varicose veins. And they are found only in women. Most patients experience pelvic varicose veins during pregnancy because they have a simultaneous layer of provocative factors. According to statistics, varicose veins are 7 times less common in men than in the better sex. The set of provoking factors is more varied:
- hypodynamics - long-term maintenance of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially pulling weights;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of the urogenital system;
- sexual dysfunction or clear sexual rejection.
Genetic predisposition can also lead to pathology of the plexuses inside the pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are most commonly diagnosed in women whose relatives have suffered from the disease. The first changes in them can be observed during adolescence during puberty.
In women with pelvic vessels, the greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins is seen in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about a congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, pelvic varicose veins are accompanied by severe but non-specific symptoms. Manifestations of this disease are often considered signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women involving pelvic vessels are:
- Lower abdominal pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle. Their intensity depends on the stage of venous damage and the extent of the process. Grade 1 varicose veins are characterized by periodic, mild pain in the lower back. In the later stages, it can be felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back, prolonged and intense.
- Abundant mucous secretions. The so-called leucorrhoea does not have an unpleasant odor, it does not change color, which would indicate an infection. The amount of emissions increases in the second stage of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Even before the onset of menstruation, the pain increases in women until the onset of difficulty walking. Menstrual bleeding can become unbearable, spreading to the entire pelvis, perineum, lower back and even the thighs.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and vagina and is characterized as dull pain. Observed at the end of intercourse. In addition, the disease is associated with increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
As with men with pelvic varicose veins, the female part of patients with such a diagnosis is gradually losing interest in sex. Dysfunction is caused by both constant discomfort and a decrease in sex hormone production. In some cases, infertility may occur.
How is pelvic varicose veins treated?
If women experience symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, treatment should be started as early as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen its walls and improve blood flow in the pelvis.
In the case of pelvic varicose veins, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins in the pelvis are detected in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and gynecologist will be involved in the treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. It includes several treatments:
- Conservative effect. It consists of regular and long-term medication. With this method, you can heal varicose veins in the pelvis at an early stage, when the blood vessels have partially lost their voice.
- Drug-free therapy. It consists of following a daily routine, exercising. The method is considered complementary, although it depends on reducing the risk of further varicose progression.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective and when a disease is later detected.
Medication includes several classes of medications that can not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms but also improve the condition of veins:
- Venotonics to improve venous outflow;
- A drug that lowers blood density and is prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex drug to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation for reducing edema, eliminating inflammation;
- Vitamin complex designed to strengthen venous walls.
Almost all venotonic drugs for pelvic varicose veins are not recommended during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, your doctor may prescribe them in minimal doses from the 12th week of pregnancy.
Varicose vein surgery in the pelvic organs is considered a last resort. In the absence of positive dynamics, it is used for long-term use of drugs. The surgical treatment used may vary depending on the location of the blood vessels affected by the disease:
- if only the internal veins are affected, the ovarian vein is ligated;
- by combining the varicose veins of the pelvic organs and the varicose veins of the perineum, the surgeon performs the ligation of the vena cava;
- A cross section is performed with a combination of the pelvis and lower extremities.
Before and after the procedure, women should undergo a drug therapy, wear compression clothing, and follow a strict diet.
Prevention
Preventing flares and reducing the risk of progression is just as important as therapeutic measures. This includes exercising the pool varicose veins and following a special diet. With their help, it is possible to:
- to reduce body weight, i. e. to reduce the load on the blood vessels;
- improves blood flow;
- reduces the likelihood of blood clots forming;
- reduces the risk of other complications.
Lifting from the position of the classic “Birch” and “Scissors with Feet”, “Bicycle” and toes can be included in the pelvic exercises. Such loads stimulate the outflow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor, which helps to reduce the swelling of the veins. It is necessary to perform gymnastics with varicose veins in the pelvis on a regular basis, preferably every morning and evening.
The specifics of a pelvic varicose vein diet are that they contain foods high in fiber and high in vitamins (especially B, A, C, Omega-3, and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve intestinal function and eliminate congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, to reduce the viscosity of the blood. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- whole grains - 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.
Fragile food should be eaten, with preference being given to cooked, steamed and fried foods, salads made from fresh vegetables.
Complications
In contrast to leg varicose veins, listing the situations in which pelvic varicose veins are dangerous in women has a greater number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other vascular-only complications, the following may occur in the background of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the urogenital system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This is not the only danger of varicose veins in a small pool. Because the disease often gets worse during pregnancy, it threatens not only the woman but also the fetus. The main complication of this form of varicose veins that underlies pregnancy is delayed fetal development. Women with such a diagnosis are more likely to give birth to a premature baby with low weight, underdeveloped lungs, and so on.
When giving birth with varicose veins in the groin, the walls of the blood vessel may rupture. It causes a lot of blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such complications, physicians tend to prescribe cesarean section for women with pelvic varicose followed by venous ligation.