Varicose veins of the pelvis, unlike a similar disorder on the lower extremities, are not always noticeable, but they are very harmful to health.It can lead to deterioration of blood flow in internal organs and disruption of their function.
The difference between varicose veins and healthy veins
The wall of a healthy vessel is always in good condition - this allows it to maintain blood flow.
The walls contract, although not as much as in arteries.This effect is enhanced by smooth and skeletal muscle contractions.
All veins located below the heart, i.e. in the limbs, stomach, pelvis, chest, have valves on their walls.They are "pockets" formed by the vascular endothelium.
They are located so that the blood flowing to the heart passes smoothly.By retrograde movement, it fills the valves and closes the vessel.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins go through a series 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 healthy blood vessels to overflow.And they also cause distortions of the tones that are already in them.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any part of the body.
Manifestations of pathology on the legs are the most noticeable - it 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 female reproductive organs, less often for the bladder.Dilated rectal veins manifest 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 her menstrual cycle, pain and signs of hormonal disorders.Physical impact can lead to vessel rupture and bleeding.
Reasons
It refers to multifactorial, i.e. it is caused by a combination of several reasons.among them:
- hereditary predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- pregnancy complications;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- hard physical work.
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 pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible than men.
The first signs usually appear around the age of 40 or in late pregnancy.The actual onset of pathology occurs much earlier.
Degrees
There are three stages of development of varicose veins:
- Mild degree - damage to one or more peripheral vessels of the genital organs.Most often asymptomatic, it can be temporary and requires re-examination.
- Medium degree - expansion of the large veins of the parametrium - the outer lining of the uterus, or the myometrium - the muscular lining.It causes menstrual irregularities and poor health.
- Severe degree – enlarged 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 usually occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, itching in the external genital area, heaviness and pain appear.
These feelings change in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They can intensify during bleeding and weaken a few days after it.
A woman may notice that her periods have become more painful and abundant.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, there are problems with conception and pregnancy.
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.His data may indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, erosion of the cervix.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it enables the detection of dilatation 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, magnetic resonance imaging, vaginal smear, blood analysis for sex hormones and diagnostic curettage are prescribed.
Which specialist should I turn to for help?
Treatment is carried out by a gynecologist in cooperation with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, a consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary.
Since the disease is multifactorial, other specialists can be involved in its treatment if necessary.
Methods of therapy
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease appears 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 allowed 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 allowed only after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefit is greater than the possible harm.
Compression and sclerosing therapy
Compression stockings and belts are worn to prevent complications from varicose veins.They put pressure on the vessels of the external genitalia, preventing them from overflowing.
Because of this, normal or close to normal venous outflow is maintained through 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 blood vessels that stimulates a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete obstruction of the damaged vein and its transformation into narrowing.The blood flow in it stops completely.
This procedure can be performed in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications.
Operation
Surgical treatment is the removal of the affected area.It can be performed in several ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, it is necessary to perform a partial resection of the ovaries.And sometimes complete removal of the fallopian tube uterus.
In women of reproductive age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic exercise
These are exercises that help improve blood flow and reduce venous stagnation.Most effective:
- "birch";
- bending the back in the knee and elbow position;
- exercises for lifting the legs and sacral area.
They encourage the outflow of blood due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment methods are less effective than hospital therapy, but they can significantly improve the patient's well-being.
For this purpose, baths with medicinal herbs are used - willow, oak branches, 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 that affect venous outflow.But you can reduce their impact.For example, take time to exercise and keep your weight within normal limits.
Disease prevention during pregnancy is of particular importance.During that period, you must monitor your diet and physical activity.And for a sufficient amount of vitamins.