Modern medicine does not pay much attention to varicose veins in the pelvis.This problem began to be discussed only in the 80s of the last century.In this regard, the diagnosis of pathology is difficult today.Many Soviet school professionals do not understand the treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, vascular diseases continue to develop and cause serious changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
What are pelvic varicosities?
When we talk about varicose veins in the pelvis, many people remember hemorrhoids.However, when the topic concerns the female population, the problem takes on global proportions.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 varicosities.
The first mention of pelvic varicose veins in women appeared only in 1975.Initially, surgical methods were used for treatment, which was not justified.
Varicose veins of the pelvis are unnatural elongation of blood vessels.For some reason, the veins lose their elasticity.As before, they take up the necessary amount of blood, but they can no longer push it back.As a result, the biological fluid stagnates in the vessels.The walls are stretched, thinned and damaged.The disease progresses throughout life and does not appear immediately.Therefore, pelvic varicose veins most often occur in women younger than 30-40 years old.The danger of varicose veins is that stagnant processes develop in elongated blood vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins in the pelvis greatly reduce women's quality of life and cause other health problems.
Causes of varicose veins of the pelvis
Because women's pelvic varicose veins began to be noticed relatively recently, the problem is still not fully understood.Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the disease.There are various hypotheses regarding the occurrence of the pathology, but none of them has been recognized to date.
The causes of pelvic varicose veins can be:
- Hereditary tendency.The observations show that the families of the examined patients had vascular diseases already at a young age.
- Bad lifestyle.Vascular diseases develop as a result of poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other components of connective tissue leads to the elongation of blood vessels.
According to statistics, 35% of healthy people experience connective tissue dysplasia and vascular diseases at an older age.About 70% of them are women.At the same time, experts have not yet learned to anticipate such changes and effectively prevent the development of pelvic varicose veins.
Risk factors
Pelvic varicose veins develop more often in women who:
- has bad habits;
- leads a sedentary lifestyle;
- spends a lot of time sitting;
- do not live an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffers from varicose veins of the lower limbs;
- has given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Pelvic varicose veins: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicosities have symptoms.Many women have been unaware of their disease for years and suddenly find out.Some have clinical manifestations but are associated with other conditions.Due to the difficult diagnosis and the lack of attention paid to this pathology, doctors are often mistaken when making a diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of abdominal pain and the doctor reveals inflammation of the appendages, but in fact the symptom is caused by varicose veins.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain in the lower segment of the abdominal cavity, radiating to the sacrum or leg;
- discomfort during intercourse;
- feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower limbs;
- an increase in the number of platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of pelvic varicosities, this disorder should be ruled out.For this purpose, the clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy
Because of pelvic varicose veins, women can become pregnant because the blood circulation in the pelvis is impaired.If the disease affects the gonads, their function changes.However, varicose veins do not prevent conception in most cases, but they can cause problems during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, special attention should be paid to patients with pelvic varicose veins.During pregnancy, various problems can occur in the blood supply of the placenta, which have irreversible consequences for the development of the fetus.With increased levels of platelets, women require injections of thinning drugs to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
A doctor can already suspect pelvic varicose veins in a woman during the first examination.The gynecologist compares symptoms, assesses risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.By palpation, the patient feels pain in the pelvic area.If the varicose veins are on the external genitalia or inner thighs, the problem is most likely also in the pelvis.To confirm pathology, clinics use hardware and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pool, professionals often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, the latest ultrasound scanning machines make it possible to examine the veins.In the case of varicose veins, they are tortuous and dilated, and their location is unnatural.
- Doppler imaging of blood vessels.Diagnostics assesses the condition of the vascular and venous systems of the pelvic organs.In the case of varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is detected in the ovarian and uterine iliac veins.
- Laparoscopy.Using an optical system, surgeons examine the inside of the abdominal wall, the surface of the uterus and the appendages.
- Tomography.A computerized or magnetic scan using a contrast material allows detailed examination of the location of the veins and viewing of areas of expansion.
In addition, laboratory tests can be used.For the differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes additional tests based on the results obtained.
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women
In the absence of pronounced changes in the veins, patients are prescribed medication.Venotonics and anticoagulants are used, vitamin therapy is recommended.They usually offer one to four courses over the course of a year.In the case of pelvic varicose veins, it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient of painful symptoms.
The treatment of vascular pathologies is necessarily complemented by lifestyle correction.In order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, it is important to reduce the level of cholesterol in the body.We recommend that you lead an active lifestyle, do sports, follow a proper diet and give up bad habits.
It is recommended to visit a phlebologist regularly during pregnancy.If necessary, the doctor prescribes unplanned examinations.During pregnancy, in the second half of pregnancy, medicines can be used to maintain the tone of the veins, but only as prescribed by the doctor.For drugs prescribed during pregnancy, the expected benefits and possible risks must first be assessed.
Treatment at the clinic
If there is no result after outpatient treatment, hospitalization is recommended.Varicose veins in the pelvis are corrected surgically in clinics.Modern surgery uses minimally invasive techniques - sclerotherapy, laser coagulation and others.If necessary, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no single treatment regimen for pelvic varicose veins.An individual approach is chosen for each woman.Based on the evaluation of the results obtained during the treatment process, the treatment regimen can be modified.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the pelvis should be done from 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 clinical picture appears.Therefore, prevention of vascular disorders is necessary for everyone.
Recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to proper nutrition;
- elimination of bad habits;
- maintain a normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid Check-up diagnostic programs offered by many health centers.
If you suspect pelvic varicosities, consult a gynecologist and phlebologist.