Varicose veins of the small pelvis in women - symptoms and treatment

When it comes to varicose veins, few people associate the disease with internal organs. More often, the pathology of the lower extremities is associated with this. Meanwhile, the proportion of pelvic varicose veins that are invisible to the armed eye is at least 5% of the total proportion of vascular disease, and the majority of patients learn the diagnosis by chance.

This form of the disease mainly affects women of childbearing age. Pelvic varicose veins, hormonal disorders and pathologies of the genitourinary system accompanied by symptoms similar to gynecological inflammation. Therefore, the disease is not treated for a long time and continues to cause serious complications, including life-threatening.

Causes and risk factors

Under varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women, doctors understand a change in the structure of the vascular walls, which is characteristic of other diseases - the formation of "pockets" that stretch after weakening and contain blood stasis. It is very rare that only the vessels of the pelvic organs are affected. In about 80% of patients with this form, there are signs of varicose veins of the groin, veins of the lower extremities.

Varicose veins of the small pelvis are most common in women. This is due to the anatomical and physiological features that tend to weaken the venous walls:

• hormonal fluctuations, including those related to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy;
• increased pressure in the small pelvis, which is characteristic of pregnancy;
• Periods of more active filling of the arteries with blood during pregnancy, as well as during sexual intercourse, including cyclic menstruation.

All of the above events belong to the category of factors that provoke varicose veins. And they are found only in women. Most patients experience varicose veins of the small pelvis during pregnancy because of the simultaneous folding of the stimuli. According to statistics, varicose veins of the small pelvis are 7 times less common in men than in the fairer sex. Their set of motivating factors is more diverse:

• hypodynamics - long-term maintenance of low physical activity;
• increased physical activity, especially dragging weights;
• obesity;
• dietary fiber deficiency;
• inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system;
• sexual dysfunction or explicit sexual abstinence.

Genetic predisposition can also lead to pathology of the plexuses located inside the small pelvis. According to statistics, most relatives of varicose veins of the perineum and pelvic organs are diagnosed in women suffering from this disease. The first changes in them can be observed during adolescence.

The greatest risk of developing inguinal varicose veins in women with pelvic vessels is observed in patients with venous pathology in other parts of the body. In this case, we are talking about congenital weakness of the arteries.

Typical Symptoms

In women, pelvic varicose veins are accompanied by severe, non-specific symptoms. Manifestations of this disease are often considered as symptoms of gynecological diseases. The main clinical symptoms of inguinal varicose veins in women with pelvic vascular obstruction are:

1. Non-menstrual pain in the lower abdomen. Their intensity depends on the stage of venous damage and the degree of the process. For grade 1 varicose veins of the small pelvis, periodic, mild pain extending to the lumbar region is characteristic. In the later stages, it is felt in the abdomen, perineum and lumbar region and is long-lasting and extremely intense.
2. Large amount of mucous discharge. The so-called leucorrhoea does not give an unpleasant odor, does not change color, which indicates that it is an infection. The volume of discharge increases in the second stage of the cycle.
3. Increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. In women, even before menstruation begins, the pain intensifies until there are difficulties with walking. Menstrual bleeding can become unbearable, spreading to the entire pelvic region, perineum, back and even the thighs.

Another characteristic symptom of varicose veins in women is discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is felt in the vulva and vagina and is characterized as a dull pain. Communication can be observed at the end. In addition, the disease is accompanied by increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings.

As in men with varicose veins of the small pelvis, in women with such a diagnosis, interest in sex is declining. The cause of dysfunction is both constant anxiety and a decrease in sex hormone production. In some cases, there may be infertility.

How are pelvic varicose veins treated?

If women have symptoms of pelvic varicose veins, treatment should be started as early as possible. The main direction of therapy is to restore vascular tone, strengthen the walls and improve blood flow in the pelvic region.

Treatment for pelvic varicose veins is prescribed and monitored by a phlebologist. If varicose veins of the small pelvis are found in women during pregnancy, a phlebologist and gynecologist are involved in treatment.

Disease therapy requires an integrated approach. This includes several treatments:

1. Conservative influence. Contains regular & long-acting medicationsUsing this method, you can treat pelvic varicose veins at an early stage when they have partially lost vascular tone.
2. Drug-free therapy. It consists of adherence to a daily routine and sports. The method is considered helpful, although it depends on reducing the risk of further development of varicose veins.
3. Surgical treatment. Other methods are used when they are ineffective and a disease is detected at a later stage.

Medication treatment includes not only the elimination of unpleasant symptoms, but also the taking of several groups of drugs to improve the condition of the arteries:

• Venotonics designed to improve venous flow;
• Blood pressure lowering drug prescribed to prevent thrombosis;
• A complex tool to reduce unpleasant symptoms and strengthen blood vessels;
• An herbal preparation designed to reduce edema and eliminate inflammation;
• A vitamin complex designed to strengthen venous walls.

For small pelvic varicose veins, it is not recommended to take almost all venotonic drugs during pregnancy. If symptoms develop, your doctor may prescribe them in minimal doses from 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgery for varicose veins in the pelvic organs is the last resort. It is used in the absence of positive dynamics with long-term use of drugs. The surgical treatments used may vary depending on the location of the damaged blood vessels:

• If only the internal vessels are affected, the ovarian vessel closes;
• The surgeon performs vena cava closure by connecting the varicose veins of the pelvic organs with the varicose veins of the perineum;
• Crossectomy is performed in the small pelvis and lower extremities with a combination of varicose veins.

Before and after the intervention, women should undergo a course of medication, wear compression garments, and follow a strict diet to lose weight.

Prevention

Preventing inflammation and reducing the risk of developing it is as important as therapeutic measures. It consists of exercise and a special diet for pelvic varicose veins. With their help it is possible:

• to reduce weight, ie to reduce the load on the blood vessels;
• improve blood flow;

• reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
• reduces the risk of other complications.

Among the exercises for varicose veins of the small pelvis, you can add the classic "Birch" and "Leg scissors", "Bicycle" and standing up. Such loads stimulate blood flow from the small pelvis, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps reduce vascular swelling. Gymnastics with varicose veins of the small pelvis should be done regularly, preferably every day, morning and evening.

Features of the diet for varicose veins of the small pelvis include the inclusion of foods rich in fiber and vitamins (mainly B, A, C, Omega-3 and Omega-6). Fiber is needed to improve bowel function and relieve congestion in the abdomen and pelvic organs. Vitamins are needed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity. To meet their needs, the diet includes:

• whole grains - buckwheat, brown rice, millet, oats;
• vegetables and fruits, berries and fruits, citrus fruits;
• skinless chicken or turkey fillet;
• seafood, white and red fish, seaweed;
• green tea, fresh juices, compotes.

It is necessary to eat partially, preferring boiled, cooked and baked dishes, salads from fresh vegetables.

Complications

Unlike varicose veins of the legs, varicose veins in the small pelvis are more dangerous in women. In addition to thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis and other exceptional vascular complications, the following may also occur in the background of the disease:

• chronic inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
• hormonal diseases;
• non-functional uterine bleeding;
• infinity.

This is not the only danger of pelvic varicose veins. As the disease often worsens during pregnancy, there is a danger not only for the woman but also for the fetus. The main complication of these varicose veins, which progress in the background of pregnancy, is a delay in the development of the fetus. Women with this diagnosis have less weight, less developed lungs, and so on. She is more likely to give birth prematurely.

Varicose veins in the abdomen can rupture the walls of the arteries during childbirth. It is fraught with a lot of blood loss and can sometimes lead to sad consequences. To reduce the risk of such a complication, doctors prescribe caesarean section to women with pelvic varicose veins, followed by vascular closure.