Varicose veins in the pelvis, unlike similar disorders of the lower limbs, are not always noticeable, but they are very harmful to health.It can lead to deterioration of blood flow to internal organs and disruption of their functioning.
Difference between varicose veins and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good condition - this allows blood flow to be maintained.
The walls contract, although not as much as in arteries.This effect is enhanced by the contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All the veins located below the heart, i.e. in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, and chest, have valves on their walls.These are "pockets" formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are positioned in such a way that the blood flowing to the heart passes through unhindered.With a retrograde movement, it fills the valves and seals the vessel.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo many changes in the valve apparatus.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid bypasses it, causing healthy blood vessels to overflow.And causing tone disorders already in them.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral blood vessels anywhere in the body.
Manifestations of pathology are most noticeable on the legs - this causes 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 genital organs, less often for the bladder.Rectal varicose veins manifest as hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins in the pelvis can have different causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, to a deterioration in its functioning.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can cause blood vessel rupture and bleeding.
Reasons
It refers to multifactorial, i.e. it arises due to a combination of many reasons.Among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- hard physical work.
The presence of one or even 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 prone to it than men.
The first symptoms usually appear around the age of 40 or in late pregnancy.The actual appearance of the pathology occurs much earlier.
degrees
There are three stages of development of varicose veins:
- Mild degree - damage to one or more peripheral vessels of the genitals.Most often, it is asymptomatic, can be temporary, and requires repeated examination.
- Medium - expansion of the large veins of the parametrium - the outer lining of the uterus, or the myometrium - the muscular lining.It causes menstrual disorders and poor health.
- Severe - varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.It causes serious disturbances in the sexual sphere, the risk of diseases and infertility is high.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the initial stage, it most often occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching, heaviness and pain appear in the area of the external genitalia.
The intensity of these feelings varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may become stronger during bleeding and then weaken a few days later.
A woman may notice that her periods have become more painful and heavy.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems arise with conception and pregnancy.
Diagnostic methods
There are many ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of these is the gynecological examination.It identifies varicose veins on the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.Your data may indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, cervical erosion.
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 the study provide more complete information about the state of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, MRI, vaginal smear, blood test for sex hormones and diagnostic curettage are prescribed.
Which specialist should I contact for help?
The treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in cooperation with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, an endocrinologist consultation is required.
Since the disease is multifactorial, if necessary, other specialists can be involved in its treatment.
Therapeutic methods
Before starting treatment, the reproductive system should be examined.Identification of possible pathologies.Usually, the disease occurs against the background of other disorders.
An integrated approach is used for greater efficiency.Several therapeutic methods are used at the same time, which makes it more successful.
Drug treatment
It includes taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall - Hesperidin, Diosmin.
In order to reduce the permeability of the vascular wall tissue, the following are prescribed:
- ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Routine.
Their use is also allowed during pregnancy and after childbirth, if the first symptoms appeared then.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood-thinning drugs - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
Its use during pregnancy is only allowed after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefit outweighs the possible harm.
Compression and sclerosing therapy
Compression stockings and belts are worn to prevent complications from varicose veins.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing their overflow.
Because of this, normal or near-normal venous outflow is maintained 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 drug is injected into the vessels to stimulate a short-term inflammatory response.And then - the complete blockage of the damaged vein and its transformation into a stenosis.The blood flow stops completely in it.
This procedure can also be performed in the 2-3rd trimester of pregnancy if there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment involves removing the affected area.It can be performed in several ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, a partial resection of the ovary is necessary.And sometimes the complete removal of the uterus from the fallopian tubes.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic practice
These are exercises that improve blood flow and reduce venous congestion.The most effective:
- "birch";
- back arch in knee-elbow position;
- exercises to lift the legs and sacral area.
They promote the outflow of blood due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than hospital therapy, but they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
Herbal baths are used for this purpose - willow, oak branches, cudweed grass and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce 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, take time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Prevention of disease during pregnancy is particularly important.During this period, pay attention to both nutrition and physical activity.And also for the right amount of vitamins.