Modern medicine does not pay much attention to varicose veins of the small pelvis.This problem began to be discussed only in the 80s of the last century.In this sense, today it is difficult to diagnose pathology.Many Soviet school experts 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?
When talking about varicose veins of the small pelvis, many remember hemorrhoids.However, when it comes to the female population, the problem takes on global proportions.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 enlarged pelvic veins.
The first mention of enlarged pelvic veins in women appeared only in 1975.In the beginning, surgical methods were used for treatment, which were not justified.
Varicose veins of the pelvis are unnatural stretching of blood vessels.For some reason, veins lose their elasticity.They, as before, take the necessary amount of blood, but they can no longer suppress it.As a result, the biological fluid stagnates in the vessels.The walls stretch, become thinner and damaged.The disease progresses throughout life and does not manifest immediately.Therefore, varicose veins of the pelvis are most often found in women younger than 30-40 years old.The danger of varicose veins is that stagnant processes develop in the stretched vessels.This increases the risk of blood clots.In addition, varicose veins of the small pelvis greatly reduce the quality of life of women and cause other health problems.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
Since varicose veins in the pelvis in women began to pay attention relatively recently, the problem is still not fully understood.Doctors cannot specify the exact cause of the disease.There are various hypotheses about the origin of the pathology, but none of them have found recognition to date.
The causes of varicose veins in the pelvis can be:
- Hereditary predisposition.Observations show that the examined patients had cases of vascular diseases in their families at an early age.
- Wrong lifestyle.Vascular diseases occur as a result of poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Connective tissue dysplasia.The reduction of collagen and other connective tissue components leads to the stretching of blood vessels.
According to statistics, up to 35% of healthy people experience connective tissue dysplasia and get vascular diseases in old age.Of these, about 70% 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:
- they have bad habits;
- lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- spend a lot of time sitting;
- they do not live an intimate life;
- are overweight;
- suffer from varicose veins of the lower extremities;
- gave birth at least once;
- undergo abdominal surgery.
Varicose veins of the pelvis: symptoms in women
Not all patients with pelvic varicose veins have symptoms.Many women are unaware of their disease for years and suddenly find out about it.Some have clinical manifestations but associate them with other conditions.Due to the difficult diagnosis and little attention to this pathology, doctors often make mistakes in establishing the diagnosis.For example, a woman complains of abdominal pain, and the doctor discovers appendicitis, but in reality the symptom is caused by varicose veins.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain in the lower segment of the abdominal cavity, which spreads to the sacrum or leg;
- discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- feeling of heaviness in the pelvis during menstrual bleeding;
- swelling of the lower abdomen;
- varicose veins of the external genitalia, lower extremities;
- increase in the number of platelets in the blood.
If a woman is at risk and has classic symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, then this disorder must be ruled out.For this purpose, clinics use laboratory, instrumental and hardware diagnostic methods.
Dilated pelvic veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins of the pelvis can cause pregnancy because blood circulation in the pelvis is disturbed.If the disease affects the gonads, their functioning changes.However, in most cases, varicose veins do not prevent conception, but they can cause problems during pregnancy.
Special attention should be paid to patients with varicose veins of the small pelvis during pregnancy.During the gestational period, various problems with the blood supply of the placenta are possible, which leads to irreversible consequences in the development of the fetus.With increased levels of platelets in the blood, women need injections of thinning drugs to prevent pregnancy complications.
Diagnostic methods in the clinic
Already at the first examination, the doctor may suspect varicose veins of the small pelvis in a woman.The gynecologist compares symptoms, assesses risk factors and performs a bimanual examination.During palpation, the patient feels pain in the pelvic area.If varicose veins are present on the external genitalia or the inner part of the thigh, then there is a high probability that the problem is also present in the pelvis.To confirm pathology, clinics use hardware and instrumental techniques:
- Ultrasound.When examining the pelvis, experts often do not pay attention to the blood vessels.However, the latest ultrasound scanning machines allow examination of veins.Varicose veins are tortuous and dilated, and they also have an unnatural location.
- Doppler imaging of blood vessels.Diagnostics assesses the state of the vascular and venous system of the pelvic organs.In varicose veins, reduced systolic velocity is detected in the ovarian and uterine iliac veins.
- Laparoscopy.Using an optical system, surgeons examine the interior of the abdominal wall, the surface of the uterus, and the appendages.
- Tomography.A computer or magnetic study using a contrast agent allows you to examine the location of the veins in detail and see areas of their expansion.
In addition, laboratory tests can be used.For differential diagnosis, the doctor prescribes additional examinations, based on the obtained results.
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, and vitamin therapy is recommended.Usually one to four courses are offered during the year.In the case of enlarged pelvic veins, it is important to improve the quality of life and relieve the patient of painful symptoms.
Treatment of vascular pathologies must be complemented by lifestyle correction.It is important to reduce the level of cholesterol in the body in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.It is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, adhere to a proper diet and give up bad habits.
Regular visits to a phlebologist are recommended during pregnancy.If necessary, the doctor will prescribe unplanned 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 the recommendation of a doctor.Medicines prescribed during pregnancy are first evaluated in terms of 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 and others.If necessary, open surgery is prescribed.
There is no single treatment regimen for pelvic varicose veins.An individual approach is chosen for each woman.During the treatment process, the regimen can be changed based on the evaluation of the obtained results.
Prevention
Prevention of varicose veins of the small pelvis should be done from a young age.It is a mistake to believe that this pathology is found in middle-aged women and that it does not threaten young girls.Varicose veins begin to develop many years before the clinical picture appears.Therefore, prevention of vascular disorders is necessary for everyone.
Recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- adhere to a proper diet;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain a normal body weight;
- undergo regular medical examinations or paid diagnostic Check-up programs, which are offered by many medical centers.
If you suspect varicose veins of the pelvis, consult a gynecologist and a phlebologist.