Varicose veins in our body can be located not only on the legs. The pelvic area is another place where varicose veins can be. A pathological condition in which there are varicose veins in the pelvis, as a rule, occurs in women and is accompanied by discomfort and periodic painful pain in the lower abdomen. In men, varicose veins of the pelvis are also found, but it is manifested mainly by dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele). This pathological process in men may be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness in the scrotum, pain in the intimacy.
According to statistics, varicose veins of the pelvis, or as it is also called - the syndrome of chronic pelvic pain, occurs mainly in young women - from 18 to 48 years. The number of patients with this disease increases several times with age. The statistics are disappointing. Thus, at the age of 18-19 years, varicose veins of the pelvis are found in 15-18% of women, and by the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of varicose veins of the pelvis
The first reason is lack of physical activity. It also includes the specifics of the patient's work, "sedentary" or "permanent" work. Due to the long stay of a person in orthostasis, the venous outflow is disturbed and this leads to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically varicose veins no longer fit tightly together, a gap is formed between the valves and the blood flows down due to the force of gravity. In such veins, the blood thickens and this can lead to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size, begins to compress the underlying veins. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of circulating blood in the pelvis increases.
But to reassure women who are preparing for conception and pregnancy, such varicose veins do not pose a direct danger. In varicose veins of the pelvis, the birth is usually invisible. Unpleasant moment - in 30-40% of pregnant women there is varicose veins of the vulva and perineum. But we must remember that immediately after birth, these veins shrink significantly and after a year completely disappear. After birth, varicose veins of the pelvis remain in only 2-6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of various types of gynecological pathologies, for the treatment of which hormonal drugs are used.
The fourth reason is smoking. It is very dangerous to smoke while taking hormonal contraceptives. Smoking thickens the blood just like hormonal contraceptives. Hence the many ridiculous incidents known in medicine when smoking girls who take hormonal contraceptives die from thrombosis.
The fifth reason is obesity. With overweight, the load on the vessels increases significantly.
The sixth reason is the ecological situation in the area of residence, air pollution in cities, especially in megacities, increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis
- painful periods;
- recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvis, radiating to the sacrum, lower back, perineum;
- soreness and discomfort in the vulva or vagina, during and after intimacy;
- abundant mucus from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- visible dilation of the venous vessels in the genital area, in the groin. "Asterisks", "mesh" on the buttocks and back of the thighs.
What to do if you have symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis?
If you find all of the above in yourself, then do not delay a visit to the doctor, otherwise the possible complications will not make you wait long.
The first doctor you should visit is a gynecologist.
He will conduct an examination, will appoint all the necessary examinations. All patients with suspected varicose veins underwent ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
To clarify the diagnosis, the patient is referred to a phlebologist. They perform an ultrasound duplex scan of the veins of the lower extremities (USDG), which allows you to get a complete picture of venous outflow.
In difficult cases, the phlebologist may prescribe additional methods of examination (CT, MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy). These tests are sufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.
The degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- 1st degree - veins of the small pelvis up to 5 mm in diameter (there is damage to each venous plexus of the small pelvis), the course of the vessel already acquires a curved appearance;
- 2nd degree - the size of the veins is from 6 to 10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are visible throughout the pelvis, and can affect only the ovarian plexus, or veins in the uterus, or veins of the myometrium;
- Grade 3 is totally varicose veins of the pelvis, varicose veins are more than 10 - 12 mm in diameter.
How to treat varicose veins of the pelvis?
Non-drug treatments
- Fight against hypodynamics. If the work involves prolonged sitting or standing, do a warm-up after 1 - 1, 5 hours;
- Quit smoking, alcohol (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wearing compression underwear (socks, tights) to improve venous outflow from the lower extremities;
- Wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels;
- Diet (exclusion from the diet of salty, spicy, fried). Salty foods always retain fluid in the body, which leads to edema, increased blood pressure - thus blood flow through the veins worsens. You need to include more fiber (fruits, vegetables, herbs) in your diet;
- Contrasting shower (especially in the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Medication treatment
- Phlebotonics - to improve the tone of varicose veins, reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - to improve blood flow from varicose veins, increase venous tone, reduce inflammation and swelling;
- Vitamin C - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce their fragility.
Venous gels and ointments are not used in the treatment of varicose veins of the pelvis due to the internal location of the affected veins.
Doctors recommend a mandatory combination of drug therapy with wearing compression stockings (socks, tights). There is a special need for compression garments during pregnancy.
Surgery
Surgery is an extreme measure that is applied when medical correction is impossible and ineffective, and the disease is very advanced and can cause a number of complications.
Different techniques are used depending on the distribution, location and diameter of the pathological veins. In case surgery is needed, the choice of the type of surgical care is individual, as it all depends on the location and distribution.