Varicose veins are considered a more "female" disease, which more often affects the fairer sex than men, due to the gender and genetic characteristics of the structure and functioning of the body.The pathology is accompanied by pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms;it can affect other organs besides the legs, threatening the woman's health, so it must be treated immediately.
Reasons
The main causes of female varicose veins of the legs are:
- prolonged wearing of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and constrictive clothing (tight jeans, shapewear);
- overweight, obesity;
- hereditary predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- heavy physical activity;
- frequent nervous disorders;
- leg injuries;
- prolonged sitting in a cross-legged position;
- bad habits.
A common cause of the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities and pelvic organs is a hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself when:
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- menopause;
- menstrual irregularities;
- taking hormonal medications (for example, contraceptives).
Venous congestion in the pelvis also manifests itself as a result of:
- long-term inflammatory process;
- regular interruption of sexual intercourse for a long time, especially in the absence of orgasm;
- frequent constipation;
- abortions;
- difficult childbirth;
- bending or prolapse of the uterus;
- pelvic tumors.
Signs
The first symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- fatigue;
- heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening;
- burning and swelling;
- appearance of spider veins and blue network.
Without treatment, patients face:
- night cramps;
- itching of the skin on the affected areas.
In the advanced stage, other signs appear:
- pigment spots concentrated in the lower third of the leg;
- cyanosis (blue discoloration of certain areas of the skin);
- sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs and uterus are characterized by specific symptoms:
- severe constant or intermittent abdominal pain, which may become intense after ovulation or during menopause;
- menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhea);
- vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
- sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- pressure, heaviness in the pelvic region;
- difficulty urinating (in rare cases);
- swelling of the vulva, vagina;
- venous nodes on the buttocks and perineum.
The intensity and nature of the manifestations are individual.Some women may experience only 2-3 symptoms, while others may experience all of the above.
Why is it dangerous?
Treatment of varicose veins should be carried out on time, because the disease can cause complications and unpleasant consequences:
- Eczema or trophic ulcers on the legs due to tissue malnutrition.
- Dermatitis on the affected areas of the legs.
- Formation of blood clots due to stagnation of blood in the veins.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Pulmonary embolism.A detached thrombus passes through the bloodstream into the pulmonary artery and threatens a person with a lung infarction or sudden death.
Disease of the uterus negatively affects the work of the endocrine system: in the advanced stage, there is a decrease in the level of female hormones and dysfunction of the ovaries, which causes menstrual irregularities.This process often leads to problems with conception and childbirth, including infertility.
Pathological expansion of the veins of the pelvic organs is also dangerous:
- uterine bleeding;
- impossibility of natural childbirth and the risk of spontaneous abortion;
- thrombophlebitis of the uterine walls;
- thrombosis (clogging) of ovarian veins.
Treatment
It includes medication and physical therapy, compression, gymnastics and lifestyle changes that will help prevent the development of serious consequences and the need for surgical intervention.
Drugs
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins and lower extremities of any stage is impossible without the support of drugs.In the initial phase it becomes the basis of treatment, in the advanced phase it supplements the set of measures.
- Phlebotonics- they strengthen the vein walls, reduce the inflammatory process.
- Anticoagulants of direct and indirect action- thins the blood, facilitating its movement through blood vessels.Medicines are used under the supervision of a specialist to avoid complications such as bleeding.
- Fibrinolytics- dissolve blood clots and reduce blood clotting.
Additional drug groups are prescribed taking into account accompanying symptoms:
- NSAIDs– removes pain, relieves swelling and inflammation.
- Preparations of female sex hormoneswith hormonal disorders.
- Hemostatic agents (coagulants)- haemostatics for the treatment of uterine bleeding.
- Antibiotics- prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.
Minimally invasive interventions
- Sclerotherapy- gluing the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosing substance to close the vein from the bloodstream.The treated surface is overgrown with fibrous tissue and gradually recedes.
- Laser coagulation- laser welding of varicose veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation- intravascular thermal effect on vessel walls to close the lumen.
Operation
Indicated for the development of disease complications and ineffectiveness of drug therapy.In addition to classical methods of surgical treatment of the lower extremities (various types of phlebectomy), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvis:
- Embolization of varicose veins in the ovaries– through a catheter that is inserted into the femoral or jugular vein and introduced into the affected area, a contrast agent is first introduced for hardware monitoring of the operation, and then the embolizate that clogs the affected vessel.
- Clipping– compression of veins in the pelvis with special medical clips.The progress of the intervention is monitored with an endoscope.
- Resection (complete or partial removal) of blood vessels– it is performed from the perineum (area of the labia majora) or peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the lip line, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of pathology, vein resection is performed through several punctures if a lesion is observed in the area of the vagina and vulva.When spreading to the area of the ovarian vein and uterus, operations are performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or an endoscope.
Physiotherapy
- Hirudotherapy– treatment with leeches.It increases the elasticity of the vein walls, improves blood circulation, prevents the formation of blood clots, relieves pain and swelling.
- Massage- increases the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizes the operation of the valves, strengthens the venous walls, can be performed only in the initial phase of the disease.
- Gymnastics and exercise therapy- regular training has a positive effect on the tone of blood vessels, prevents relapses and eases the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: birch, bicycle, squats, scissors.Such gymnastics helps normalize blood flow and remove congestion in blood vessels.Also useful: swimming, running, cycling.
- Hardening.As a result of alternating cold and heat, the tone of vascular walls increases, blood circulation accelerates, tissue microcirculation is restored, arterial blood flow increases, outflow from the lymphatic and venous systems, metabolic processes are activated.You need to start pouring warm water.
- UHF therapy– exposure to a continuous pulsating electric field of ultra-high frequency.It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation, improves blood flow and stimulates the immune system.
- Myostimulation- the influence of low-intensity current on muscles.It helps to increase the speed of blood flow, remove swelling, pain and discomfort.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical procedures are also used - electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, pressotherapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.
Compression garments
The positive effect of the special knitwear is due to the even redistribution of pressure on the muscles, followed by a gentle massage of the veins, which results in:
- the speed of blood flow through deep vessels increases;
- blood and lymph stagnation is eliminated;
- the severity of signs of varicose veins decreases;
- the load on the legs is reduced;
- Complications during pregnancy, childbirth and after surgery are prevented.
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, stockings, knee socks and elastic bandages are used;shorts and tights are used for damage to the pelvic organs.
Diet
Varicose veins in the legs and pelvis require dietary adjustments to provide the necessary nutrients to the enlarged and weakened veins.Dietary nutrition includes intake of large amounts of vegetables and fruits, rich in plant fiber and protein foods.It is recommended to drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day.
Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fatty, fried, sour and smoked foods should be excluded from the menu, the amount of empty carbohydrates in the diet should be reduced in order to lose excess weight, reduce the load on blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Folk recipes
In the treatment of varicose veins of the legs and pelvis, the use of home remedies in combination with drug treatment is permitted.They can be used only after consultation with a doctor.
The most effective herbs for varicose veins:
- horse chestnut;
- dandelion;
- Kombucha
Infusions, decoctions for internal and external use and ointments are prepared from them.
Prevention
Preventive measures are useful not only for women at risk of developing pathology, but also for those who already suffer from varicose veins:
- lead an active lifestyle;
- to normalize the rest and work schedule;
- use gentle methods of contraception;
- take a contrast shower;
- perform gymnastic exercises daily;
- eat right;
- visit a massage therapist;
- take preventive courses of venotonics;
- prevent constipation;
- minimize stress.
Special attention to prevention should be given to pregnant women;according to statistics, pathological expansion of veins in the area of the pelvis and lower extremities was observed in 40% of cases.