Varicose veins are considered to be more of a "female" disease, they affect the fairer sex more often than men due to the gender and genetic characteristics of the structure and activity of the body.It is accompanied by pathological pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms;it can affect other organs besides the legs, which threatens the health of the woman, so it should be treated immediately.
Reasons
The main causes of varicose veins in women's legs are:
- wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and tight clothes (tight jeans, uniforms) for a long time;
- overweight, obesity;
- hereditary tendency;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- heavy physical activity;
- frequent nervous disorders;
- leg injuries;
- sitting for a long time in a cross-legged position;
- bad habits.
The common cause of the development of varicose veins of the lower limbs and pelvic organs is hormonal imbalance, which manifests itself in the following cases:
- pregnancy, childbirth;
- menopause;
- menstrual disorders;
- taking hormonal drugs (for example, contraceptives).
Venous congestion in the pelvis is also manifested 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;
- tilting or prolapse of the uterus;
- pelvic tumors.
Signs
The first symptoms of dilated veins of the lower extremities:
- fatigue;
- heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening;
- burning and swelling;
- appearance of spider veins and blue web.
Without treatment, patients experience:
- night cramps;
- skin itching in the affected areas.
In an advanced stage, other symptoms appear:
- pigment spots concentrated in the lower third of the leg;
- cyanosis (blue color of certain areas of the skin);
- sclerotic changes in the subcutaneous tissue.
Varicose veins of the pelvis and uterus are characterized by specific symptoms:
- severe constant or intermittent abdominal pain that may intensify after ovulation or during menopause;
- menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea);
- vaginal discharge (white or colorless);
- sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa;
- pain during intercourse;
- pressure, heaviness in the pelvic region;
- difficulty urinating (rarely);
- swelling of the vulva, vagina;
- venous nodules in the buttocks and perineum.
The intensity and character 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 done on time, because the disease can cause complications and unpleasant consequences:
- Trophic ulcers of the legs due to eczema or tissue malnutrition.
- Dermatitis in the affected areas of the legs.
- Formation of blood clots due to stagnation of blood in the veins.
- Thrombophlebitis.
- Pulmonary embolism.The separated thrombus moves with the blood stream to the pulmonary artery, which threatens a pulmonary infarction or sudden death of a person.
The disease of the uterus has a negative effect on the work of the endocrine system: in an advanced stage, there is a decrease in the level of female hormones and dysfunction of the ovaries, which causes menstrual disorders.This process often causes problems with pregnancy and childbirth, including infertility.
Pathological expansion of the vessels of the pelvic organs is also dangerous:
- uterine bleeding;
- the impossibility of natural childbirth and the danger of spontaneous abortion;
- thrombophlebitis of the uterine walls;
- thrombosis (clogging) of ovarian vessels.
Treatment
Medications and physical therapy, compression, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help prevent serious sequelae and the need for surgery.
Drugs
Treatment of pelvic veins and varicose veins of the lower extremities at any stage is impossible without medical support.It becomes the basis of treatment in the initial stage, completes the complex of measures in the advanced stage.
- Phlebotonics- strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reduces the inflammatory process.
- Direct and indirect anticoagulants- thins the blood, facilitates its movement through the veins.Medicines are used under the supervision of a specialist to prevent complications such as bleeding.
- Fibrinolytics- dissolves formed blood clots and reduces blood clotting.
Taking into account the accompanying symptoms, additional drug groups are prescribed:
- NSAIDs- relieve pain, relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Female sex hormone preparationswith hormonal disorders.
- Hemostatics (coagulants)– hemostatic agents for the treatment of uterine bleeding.
- Antibiotics- prescribed in the presence of infectious lesions.
Minimally invasive interventions
- Sclerotherapy- sticking the diseased vein from the inside with a special sclerosant substance to close the vein from the blood circulation.The treated area grows with fibrous tissue and gradually dissolves.
- Laser coagulation– laser welding of dilated veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation– intravascular thermal effect on the vessel walls to seal the lumen.
Operation
It is indicated for the development of complications of the disease and ineffectiveness of drug treatment.In addition to the classical methods of surgical treatment of the lower extremities (phlebectomy of various types), interventions are performed on the genitals and pelvic organs:
- Embolization of varicose veins in the ovary- through a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein and brought to the damaged area, first a contrast agent is given to monitor the progress of the operation, and then an embolizer drug is given to close the affected vessel.
- Cutting- compression of vessels in the pelvis with special medical clips.The progress of the intervention is monitored using an endoscope.
- Resection of veins (complete or partial removal).- performed from the perineum (labia majora area) or peritoneum.In the first option, an incision is made along the labial line, through which the affected areas are removed.In mild forms of the pathology, if the lesion is observed in the vagina and vulva, vein resection is performed through several punctures.When it spreads to the ovarian vein and uterine area, operations are performed through the retroperitoneum using a laparoscope or an endoscope.
Physiotherapy
- Hirudotherapy- treatment with leeches.It increases the elasticity of vascular walls, improves blood circulation, prevents blood clots, relieves pain and swelling.
- Massage- increases the elasticity of blood vessels, normalizes the work of valves, strengthens the venous walls, it can be performed only at the initial stage of the disease.
- Gymnastics and exercise therapy- regular exercise has a positive effect on vascular tone, prevents relapses and alleviates the patient's condition.Recommended exercises: birch tree, bicycle, squat, scissor.Such gymnastics helps to normalize blood flow and remove congestion in blood vessels.Also useful: swimming, running, cycling.
- Hardening.As a result of the change of cold and heat, the tone of vascular walls increases, blood circulation accelerates, microcirculation in tissues is restored, arterial blood flow increases, outflow from lymphatic and venous systems, metabolic processes are activated.You need to start washing with warm water.
- UHF therapy– exposure to an ultra-high frequency continuous pulse electric field.It has an analgesic effect, relieves inflammation, improves blood flow and stimulates the immune system.
- Myostimulation- the effect of low-intensity current on muscles.It helps to increase blood flow, relieve swelling, pain and discomfort.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the severity of the pathology, other physical procedures are used - electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, pressotherapy, darsonval, balneotherapy.
Compression garments
The positive effect of special knitting results in a uniform redistribution of pressure on the muscles, followed by a gentle massage of the veins:
- the speed of blood flow through deep veins increases;
- blood and lymph stagnation is eliminated;
- the severity of symptoms of varicose veins decreases;
- the load on the legs decreases;
- Complications during pregnancy, childbirth and after operations are prevented.
Stockings, knee socks and elastic bandages are used for varicose veins of the lower extremities;shorts and tights are used for pelvic injuries.
Diet
Varicose veins in the legs and pelvis require adjustments to the diet to provide the necessary nutrients to the dilated and weakened veins.Diet food consists of eating a lot of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in plant fiber and protein nutrients.It is recommended to drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
You should remove alcoholic and carbonated drinks, fatty, fried, acidic and smoked foods from the menu, reduce the amount of empty carbohydrates in your diet to get rid of 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, it is allowed to use home remedies along with drug treatment.They can be used only after consulting a doctor.
The most effective plants for varicose veins:
- horse chestnut;
- dandelion;
- Kombucha
Infusions, decoctions and ointments for internal and external use 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;
- normalize rest and work schedules;
- use gentle methods of contraception;
- take a contrast shower;
- do daily gymnastic exercises;
- eating right;
- visiting a massage therapist;
- take preventive courses of venotonics;
- prevent constipation;
- minimize stress.
Pregnant women should be given special attention to prevention;according to statistics, in 40% of cases, pathological expansion of vessels in the pelvis and lower limbs is observed.