Modern medicine does not pay much attention to varicose veins of the small pelvis.This problem began to be discussed only in the 1980s.In this regard, the diagnosis of the pathology today is difficult.Many Soviet school specialists do not understand the treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women.Therefore, vascular diseases continue to progress and cause serious changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
What are varicose veins of the pelvic vessels?
Speaking of varicose veins of the small pelvis, many people remember hemorrhoids.However, when the topic concerns the female population, the problem takes on global dimensions.Intestinal vessels do not necessarily suffer from varicose veins of the pelvis in women.Therefore, the absence of hemorrhoids is not a guarantee that the patient does not have pelvic varicose veins.
The first mention of pelvic varicose veins in women appeared only in 1975. Initially, surgical methods were used for treatment, which were not justified.
Varicose veins of the pelvis are unnatural stretching of the blood vessels.For some reason, the veins lose their elasticity.They, as before, absorb 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, varicose veins of the pelvis are most often found in women aged around 30-40 years.The danger of varicose veins is that stagnant processes develop in stretched vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins of the small pelvis significantly reduce the quality of life of women and cause other health problems.
Causes of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Since varicose veins in the pelvis in women began to attract attention relatively recently, the problem remains not fully understood.Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the disease.There are various hypotheses about the occurrence of pathology, but none of them has found recognition so far.
The causes of varicose veins in the small pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.Observations show that the studied patients had family history of vascular diseases at an early age.
- Wrong way of life.Vascular diseases develop as a result of improper nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.A decrease in collagen and other components of connective tissue causes the blood vessels to stretch.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people suffer from connective tissue dysplasia and acquire vascular diseases in old age.About 70% of them are women.At the same time, experts have not yet learned to predict such changes and effectively prevent varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Risk factors
Varicose veins of the pelvis develop more often in women who:
- have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- spend a lot of time sitting;
- do not lead an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffer from varicose veins of the lower extremities;
- have given birth at least once;
- underwent abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins of the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins have symptoms.Many women do not know about their disease for many years and find out about it suddenly.Some have clinical manifestations but associate them with other conditions.Due to the difficult diagnosis and little attention to this pathology, doctors also often make mistakes in diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of abdominal pain and the doctor reveals inflammation of the appendages, but in reality 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;
- a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower limbs;
- increase in platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, this disease should be ruled out.For this purpose, clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy
Varicose veins of the pelvis can cause women to become pregnant because the blood circulation in the pelvis is impaired.If the disease affects the gonads, their functioning changes.In most cases, however, varicose veins do not interfere with conception, but they can cause problems during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, special attention should be paid to patients with varicose veins of the small pelvis.During the gestation period, various problems with the blood supply to the placenta are possible, which lead to irreversible consequences in the development of the fetus.With an increased level of platelets in the blood, women need injections of thinning drugs to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
A doctor may suspect varicose veins of the small pelvis in a woman at the very first examination.The gynecologist compares symptoms, assesses risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.On palpation, the patient feels pain in the pelvis.If the varicose veins are on the external genitalia or the inner thigh, then the problem is most likely also present in the pelvis.To confirm the pathology, clinics use hardware and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pelvis, specialists often do not pay attention to the vessels.However, the latest ultrasound scanning machines allow veins to be examined.In varicose veins, they are curved and dilated, and also have an unnatural location.
- Doppler imaging of blood vessels.The diagnosis assesses the condition of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.In varicose veins, a reduced systolic velocity is found in the iliac veins of the ovary and uterus.
- Laparoscopy.Using an optical system, surgeons examine the interior of the abdominal wall, the surface of the uterus, and the appendages.
- Tomography.A computerized or magnetic study using a contrast agent allows you to look in detail at the location of the veins and see the areas of their expansion.
In addition, laboratory tests may be used.For a 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 drug treatment.Venotonics and anticoagulants are used, vitamin therapy is recommended.Typically one to four courses are offered over the course of a year.With varicose veins of the pelvis, it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient of painful symptoms.
The treatment of vascular pathologies must be complemented by a lifestyle adjustment.It is important to reduce cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, do sports, stick to proper nutrition and give up bad habits.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to visit a phlebologist regularly.If necessary, the doctor will prescribe unscheduled examinations.During pregnancy, in the second half of the gestational period, drugs can be used to maintain the tone of the veins, but only on a doctor's prescription.Medicines prescribed during pregnancy are first evaluated for expected benefits and possible risks.
Treatment in the clinic
If there are no results after outpatient treatment, hospitalization may be recommended.Correction of pelvic varicose veins in clinics is performed surgically.Modern surgery uses minimally invasive techniques - sclerotherapy, laser coagulation, etc.If necessary, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no single scheme for the treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis.An individual approach is chosen for each woman.During the healing process, the regimen can be changed based on an assessment of the results obtained.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the small pelvis should be done from an early age.It is a mistake to think 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, the prevention of vascular disorders is necessary for everyone.
Recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to proper nutrition;
- eliminating bad habits;
- maintaining a normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid Check-up diagnostic programs, which are offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect pelvic varicose veins, you should contact a gynecologist and phlebologist.