Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar disease of the lower limbs, are not always noticeable, but they are very harmful to health.It can lead to deterioration of blood flow in the internal organs and disruption of their function.
Difference between varicose and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good shape - this allows it to maintain blood flow.
The walls contract, although not as much as in arteries.This effect is enhanced by the contractions of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All veins located below the heart, i.e.in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have flaps on their walls.They are "pockets" formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located in such a way that the blood flowing to the heart passes unimpeded.In retrograde motion, it fills the valves and closes the vessel.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo a number of changes in the valvular apparatus.They reduce the tone of the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood stagnation.
Some of the fluid bypasses, causing overflow of healthy vessels.And also provoking tone disorders already in them.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any area of the body.
Manifestations of foot pathology are most noticeable - this creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon in the abdominal or pelvic organs is asymptomatic for a long time.
It is most dangerous for the female reproductive organs, less often for the bladder.Dilated rectal veins appear as hemorrhoids.
Varicose veins of the pelvis can have different causes.The disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, deterioration of its function.
A woman may notice a change in the menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can cause a vessel to burst and bleed.
Reasons
It refers to multifactorial, ie.occurs due to a combination of a number of reasons.Among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the excretory system and intestines;
- heavy physical labor.
The presence of one or even several unfavorable factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are enlarged.This indicates a high risk of such a pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible to it than men.
The first signs usually appear around the age of 40 or at the end of pregnancy.The actual onset of pathology occurs much earlier.
Degrees
There are three degrees of development of varicose veins:
- Mild degree - damage to one or more peripheral vessels of the genital organs.Most often asymptomatic, may be temporary, requiring re-examination.
- Medium degree - expansion of large veins of the parametrium - the outer lining of the uterus, or the myometrium - the muscular lining.It causes menstrual irregularities and ill health.
- Severe - varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.It causes serious disorders in the sexual sphere, a high risk of disease and infertility.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the lesion.In the initial stages, it is most often asymptomatic.
As the disease progresses, itching in the area of the external genitalia, heaviness and pain appear.
These sensations change in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may intensify during bleeding and weaken a few days after it.
A woman may notice that her periods have become more painful and heavy.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems with conception and pregnancy arise.
Diagnostic methods
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of them is a gynecological examination.It identifies varicose veins on the skin, vaginal wall and cervix.Its data can indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, erosion of the cervix.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows detection of enlargement of the parametrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this 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 turn to for help?
The treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
Since the disease is multifactorial, if necessary, other specialists can be involved in its treatment.
Therapeutic methods
Before starting treatment, you should undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of other disorders.
An integrated approach is used for greater efficiency.Several methods of therapy are used at once, which makes it more successful.
Drug treatment
It includes taking drugs that increase the tone of the vascular wall - hesperidin, diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of the tissue of the vascular wall, the following is prescribed:
- Ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Routine.
Their use is permissible even during pregnancy and after childbirth, if the first symptoms appeared then.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood thinners - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is permissible only 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 of varicose veins.They create pressure on the vessels of the external genital organs, preventing them from overflowing.
Thanks to this, normal or close to 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 for introducing a special drug into the vessels that stimulates a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete blockage of the damaged vein and its transformation into a narrowing.The blood flow in it completely stops.
This procedure can be done during the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy if there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment is removal of the affected area.It can be done in several ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, it is necessary to perform a partial resection of the ovary.And sometimes complete removal of the uterus of the fallopian tubes.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Physical therapy
These are exercises that help improve blood flow and reduce venous congestion.The most effective:
- "birch";
- bending the back in a knee-elbow position;
- exercises for lifting the legs and the sacral area.
They promote blood flow due to gravity.
People's funds
Traditional methods of treatment are less effective than therapy in the hospital, but they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal plants are used - willow, oak branches, sushi grass and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce tension and stimulate blood flow.
Recommendations for prevention
It is impossible to completely exclude all factors affecting venous outflow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, make time for exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Disease prevention during pregnancy is of particular importance.During this period, do not forget to monitor both nutrition and physical activity.And also for a sufficient amount of vitamins.