When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate this disease with the internal organs. More often the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with it. Meanwhile, the proportion of varicose veins in the pelvic veins that are not visible to the naked eye is at least 5% of the total share of vascular disease, and most patients learn about the diagnosis by accident.
This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing age. They have varicose veins of the pelvis, accompanied by symptoms resembling gynecological inflammation, consequences of hormonal disorders and pathologies of the genitourinary system. Therefore, the disease has long been untreated and continues to progress, leading to serious complications, including life-threatening.
Causes and risk factors
By varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors mean a change in the structure of the vascular walls, characteristic of other types of diseases - weight loss, followed by stretching and the formation of "pockets" inside which the blood stagnates. Cases where only the vessels of the pelvic organs are affected are extremely rare. In about 80% of patients, along with this form, there are signs of varicose veins of the inguinal veins, vessels of the lower extremities.
The incidence of varicose veins of the pelvis is most pronounced in women. This is due to anatomical and physiological features suggesting a tendency to weaken the venous walls:
- hormonal fluctuations, including those related to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
- increased pressure in the pelvis, which is characteristic of pregnancy;
- periods of more active filling of the veins with blood, including cyclic menstrual periods, during pregnancy and during sex.
All the above phenomena belong to the category of factors that provoke varicose veins. And they are found exclusively in women. The largest number of patients face varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy, as there is a simultaneous layering of provoking factors. According to statistics, varicose veins of the pelvis in men are 7 times less common than in the fairer sex. Their set of provoking factors is more diverse:
- hypodynamia - long-term maintenance of low physical activity;
- increased physical activity, especially weightlifting;
- obesity;
- lack of fiber in the diet;
- inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system;
- sexual dysfunction or clear refusal to have sex.
Genetic predisposition can also lead to pathology of the plexuses located inside the pelvis. According to statistics, varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are most often diagnosed in women whose relatives have suffered from this disease. The first changes in them can be observed in adolescence during puberty.
The greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins in women with pelvic involvement is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case we are talking about congenital weakness of the veins.
Typical symptoms
In women, varicose veins of the pelvis are accompanied by severe but nonspecific symptoms. Often the manifestations of this disease are considered as signs of gynecological disorders. The main clinical symptoms of varicose veins in the groin in women with pelvic involvement are:
- Nonmenstrual pain in the lower abdomen. Their intensity depends on the stage of venous damage and the extent of the process. Grade 1 varicose veins of the pelvis are characterized by intermittent, mild pain covering the lower back. In the later stages it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lower back and is long-lasting and very intense.
- Abundant mucous discharge. The so-called leukorrhea does not have an unpleasant odor, does not change color, which would mean an infection. The unloading volume increases during the second phase of the cycle.
- Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Even before the onset of menstruation in women, the pain intensifies, until the onset of difficulty walking. During menstrual bleeding can become unbearable, spread to the entire pelvic area, perineum, lower back and even to the thighs.
Another characteristic sign of varicose veins in the groin in women is discomfort during intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and vagina and is characterized by dull pain. It can be observed at the end of sexual intercourse. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings.
As with varicose veins of the pelvis in men, the female part of patients with such a diagnosis gradually loses interest in sex. The cause of the dysfunction is both constant discomfort and reduced production of sex hormones. In some cases, infertility can occur.
How is varicose veins treated?
When women develop symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, treatment should begin as early as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen their walls and improve blood flow to the pelvis.
For pelvic varicose veins, treatment is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the pelvis are found in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and gynecologist are involved in the treatment.
Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. Includes several treatments:
- Conservative impact. It consists of regular and long-term treatment. Using this method, you can cure pelvic varicose veins at an early stage, when the vessels have partially lost their tone.
- Drug-free therapy. It consists of observing daily routines, exercises. The method is considered ancillary, although it depends on reducing the risk of further progression of varicose veins.
- Surgical treatment. It is used when other methods are ineffective, as well as when the disease is detected at a later stage.
Drug therapy involves taking several groups of drugs that can not only eliminate the unpleasant symptoms, but also improve the condition of the veins:
- Venotonics, which are designed to improve venous outflow;
- A drug that reduces the density of the blood, which is prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
- Complex means to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
- Herbal preparation designed to reduce swelling, eliminate inflammation;
- A complex of vitamins designed to strengthen the venous walls.
Almost all pelvic vanotonic drugs are not recommended during pregnancy. If symptoms progress, your doctor may prescribe them in minimal doses after 12 weeks of gestation.
Surgery for dilated vessels in the pelvic organs is considered a last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with prolonged use of drugs. The methods of surgical treatment used may vary depending on the location of the vessels damaged by the disease:
- if only the internal veins are affected, the ovarian vein is ligated;
- with a combination of varicose veins of the pelvic organs with varicose veins of the perineum, the surgeon performs ligation of a hollow vein; A crosssectomy is performed with a combination of varicose veins in the pelvis and lower extremities.
Before and after the intervention, women should undergo drug therapy, wear compression garments and follow a strict diet to lose weight.
Prevention
Preventing exacerbations and reducing the risk of progression is just as important as therapeutic measures. Includes exercises for varicose veins of the pelvis and adherence to a special diet. With their help it is possible:
- to reduce weight, ie to reduce the load on blood vessels;
- improve blood flow;
- reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- reduce the risk of other complications.
In the set of exercises for varicose veins of the pelvis you can include the classic "Birch" and "Scissors with legs", "Bicycle" and lifting the toes from an upright position. Such loads stimulate the flow of blood from the small pelvis, strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which helps reduce swelling of the veins. It is necessary to regularly perform exercises with varicose veins of the pelvis, preferably every day, morning and evening.
The peculiarities of the diet for pelvic varicose veins are the inclusion in the diet of foods high in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve bowel function and eliminate congestion in the abdominal and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the walls of the veins, to reduce the viscosity of the blood. To meet their needs, the diet includes:
- whole grain cereals - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
- vegetables and fruits, fruits and berries, citrus fruits;
- skinless chicken or turkey fillet;
- seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
- green tea, fresh juices, compotes.
It is necessary to eat partially, giving preference to cooked, stewed and baked dishes, salads of fresh vegetables.
Complications
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, the list of situations in which varicose veins of the pelvis are dangerous in women includes a greater number of negative consequences. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other extremely vascular complications, the following may occur in the background of the disease:
- chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- infertility.
This is not the only danger of varicose veins in the small pelvis. As the disease often worsens during pregnancy, there is a threat not only to the woman but also to the fetus. The main complication of this form of varicose veins, which progresses during pregnancy, is the delay in fetal development. Women with this diagnosis are more likely to give birth to a premature baby with low weight, underdeveloped lungs and others.
During childbirth with varicose veins in the groin, the walls of the vessel may rupture. This is fraught with profuse blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors tend to prescribe a cesarean section to women with pelvic varicose veins, followed by ligation of the veins.