Varicose veins in our body can be localized not only on the legs. The pelvic area is another place where varicose veins can be. The pathological condition in which there are varicose veins in the small pelvis, usually occurs in women and is accompanied by discomfort and periodic aching pains in the lower abdomen. In men, there are also dilated veins of the small pelvis, but it is manifested mainly by dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele). This pathological process in men can be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness in the scrotum, pain in intimacy.
According to statistics, varicose veins of the small pelvis, or as it is also called - chronic pelvic pain syndrome, occurs mainly in young women - from 18 to 48 years. The number of people suffering from this disease increases several times with age. The statistics are disappointing. Thus, at the age of 18-19, varicose veins of the pelvis are detected in 15-18% of women, and by the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of varicose pelvic veins
The first reason is physical inactivity. It also includes the specificity of the patient's work, "sitting" or "standing" work. Due to the long stay of the person in orthostasis, the venous outflow is disturbed and that leads to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically varicose veins no longer adhere tightly to each other, a gap is created between the valves and the blood flows down due to the force of gravity. In such veins, the blood thickens, which can lead to thrombosis.
Another reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size and begins to press on the lower veins. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of circulating blood in the small pelvis increases.
But in order to calm down women who are preparing for conception and pregnancy, such varicose veins do not carry a direct danger. With small pelvic varicose veins, childbirth is usually inconspicuous. An awkward moment - 30-40% of pregnant women have varicose veins of the vulva and perineum. But we must keep in mind that immediately after giving birth, these veins are significantly reduced, and after a year, they completely disappear. After childbirth, varicose veins of the pelvis remain in only 2-6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of different 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 contraception. Hence many ridiculous accidents known in medicine, when smoking girls taking hormonal contraceptives died of thrombosis.
The fifth reason is obesity. With being overweight, the load on the blood vessels increases significantly.
The sixth reason is the ecological situation in the region of housing, air pollution in cities, especially in megacities, increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis
- painful menstruation;
- recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvic area, radiating to the sacrum, lower back, perineum;
- pain and discomfort in the vulva or vagina, during and after intimacy;
- copious mucous discharge from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- visible dilation of venous vessels in the genital area, in the groin. "Stars", "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, do not delay a visit to the doctor, otherwise possible complications will not wait long.
The first doctor you should see is a gynecologist.
He will perform the examination, schedule all the necessary examinations. All patients with suspected pelvic varicose veins undergo an 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 severe cases, a phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI, or diagnostic laparoscopy). These studies are sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the degree of the disease.
Degree of varicose veins of the pelvis
- 1st degree - veins of the small pelvis up to 5 mm in diameter (damage to any venous plexus of the pelvis has been reported), the course of the vessel is already taking on a sinuous appearance;
- 2nd degree - the size of the veins is from 6 to 10 mm; varicose veins on ultrasound are also visible throughout the small pelvis, and may affect only the ovarian plexus, or uterine veins, or myometrial veins;
- Grade 3 is the total varicose vein of the small pelvis, varicose veins have a diameter greater than 10 - 12 mm.
How to treat varicose veins of the pelvis?
Drug-free treatments
- Fight against hypodynamics. If work is associated with prolonged sitting or standing, 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, an increase in blood pressure - which worsens the outflow of blood through the veins. You need to include more fiber in your diet (fruits, vegetables, herbs);
- Contrasting shower, (especially in the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Drug treatment
- Phlebotonics - to improve the tone of varicose veins, reduce their permeability;
- Wild chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - to improve blood flow from varicose veins, increase venous tone, reduce inflammation and edema;
- 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 position 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.
Operation
Surgery is an extreme measure that is applied when medical correction is impossible and ineffective, and the disease is very advanced and can cause complications.
Different techniques are used depending on the prevalence, location and diameter of the pathological veins. In the case when surgical intervention is necessary, the choice of the type of surgical care is individual, because everything depends on the location and prevalence.