Pelvic varicose veins, unlike a similar disorder of the lower limbs, are not always noticeable but are very harmful to health.May lead to impaired 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 shape - this allows it to maintain blood flow.
The walls contract, although not as much as in the arteries.This effect is enhanced by the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscles.
All veins located below the heart, that is, in the limbs, abdomen, pelvis, chest, have valves on their walls.They are “pockets” formed by vascular endothelium.
They are placed so that blood flow to the heart is unobstructed.With a backward motion, it fills the valves and closes the tank.
Blood always flows from the periphery to the heart, even against gravity.
Varicose veins undergo a number of changes in the valve apparatus.They tone down the wall and increase its permeability.This creates conditions for blood to stagnate.
Some fluid passes through, causing overflow of healthy blood vessels.And also causes inherent tone disorders in them.
What is it and why is it dangerous?
Varicose veins can affect peripheral vessels in any area of the body.
Pathological manifestations in the legs are most noticeable - this creates a significant aesthetic defect.But the same phenomenon occurs in the abdominal or pelvic organs without symptoms for a long time.
The most dangerous is to the female reproductive organs, less common to the bladder.Rectal varicose veins manifest as hemorrhoids.
Pelvic varicose veins can have many different causes.This disease leads to disruption of blood flow in the reproductive system and, as a result, its function is impaired.
A woman may notice changes in her menstrual cycle, pain, and signs of hormonal disruption.Physical impact can lead to broken vessels and bleeding.
Reason
Refers to multifactorial, i.e. arises due to a combination of several reasons.Among them:
- genetic predisposition;
- lack of physical activity;
- complications during pregnancy;
- overweight;
- diseases of the urinary system and intestines;
- hard manual labor.
The presence of one or even several adverse factors does not mean that the pelvic veins are dilated.This indicates a high risk of such a pathology.
Women with children are more susceptible to the disease than men.
The first signs usually appear around age 40 or toward the end of pregnancy.The real onset of pathology occurs much earlier.
Degree
There are three levels of development of varicose veins:
- Mild degree - damage to one or more peripheral vessels of the genital organs.Usually no symptoms, may be temporary, requiring retesting.
- Moderate - dilatation of the large veins of the parametrium - the outer lining of the uterus, or the endometrium - the muscular lining.Causes irregular menstruation and poor health.
- Severity – varicose veins and swelling of most organs of the female reproductive system.Causes serious disorders in the sexual field, high risk of disease and infertility.
Symptom
Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the damage.In the early stages, it often occurs without symptoms.
As the disease progresses, the external genital area becomes itchy, heavy and painful.
These feelings vary in intensity depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.They may strengthen during bleeding and weaken a few days later.
A woman may notice that her menstrual periods become more painful and heavy.Sexual intercourse becomes painful, problems arise with conception and pregnancy.
Diagnostic method
There are several ways to identify the disease.
The first and simplest of these is a gynecological examination.Identify dilated veins on the skin, vaginal walls, and cervix.Its data can indirectly indicate the cause - endometriosis, cervical erosion.
The most reliable method is gynecological ultrasound.Its advantage is that it allows detection of dilation of the paracervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.The results of this study provide more complete information about the condition of the reproductive system.
In controversial cases, MRI, vaginal smear, blood test for sex hormones, and diagnostic curettage are indicated.
Which professional should I contact for help?
Treatment is performed by a gynecologist in collaboration with a vascular surgeon.In case of hormonal disorders, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist.
Because the disease has many factors, other specialists can also participate in treatment if necessary.
Treatment methods
Before starting treatment, you should undergo a comprehensive examination of the reproductive system.Identify possible pathologies.As a rule, the disease occurs against the background of other disorders.
For greater efficiency, an integrated approach is used.Several therapeutic methods are used at the same time, which makes it more successful.
Treatment with medication
Including taking drugs that increase the tone of the vessel walls - Hesperidin, Diosmin.
To reduce the permeability of vascular wall tissue, the following is prescribed:
- Ascorbic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Rutin.
Their use is allowed even during pregnancy and after childbirth, if then the first symptoms appear.
In addition, the doctor may recommend blood thinners - acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin K.
During pregnancy, their use is allowed only after consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist, if the benefits outweigh the possible harm.
Compression therapy and sclerotherapy
Wear compression pants and belts to prevent complications of varicose veins.They put pressure on the vessels of the external genital organs, preventing them from overflowing.
Therefore, normal or near-normal venous outflow is maintained throughout the pelvis.The degree of compression is determined by the doctor.You can wear such underwear during pregnancy.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that introduces a special drug into the vessels to stimulate a short-term inflammatory response.And then - complete blockage of the damaged vein and turning it into a spasm.The blood flow in it completely stopped.
This procedure can be performed in the 2nd-3rd trimester of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications.
work
Surgical treatment is to remove the affected area.It can be performed in many ways depending on the patient's condition.
In some cases, partial oophorectomy is required.And sometimes the uterus and fallopian tubes are completely removed.
In women of childbearing age, doctors try to preserve the reproductive organs.
Therapeutic exercises
These are exercises that help improve blood flow and reduce venous congestion.Most effective:
- "birch";
- arch your back in a knee-elbow position;
- Leg and sacral elevation exercises.
They promote blood flow due to gravity.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatments are less effective than hospital therapy, however, they can significantly improve a patient's health.
For this purpose, people use baths with medicinal plants - willow, oak branches, Cudweed and chamomile.
They have a calming effect, reduce stress and stimulate blood flow.
Prevention recommendations
It is not possible to completely rule out all factors influencing venous flow.But you can reduce their influence.For example, make time to exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Prevention of disease during pregnancy is of particular importance.During this period, remember to monitor both nutrition and physical activity.And also to get enough vitamins.