Vascular pathologies are most common in diseases of the lower extremities, but in some cases, a manifestation such as varicose veins of the labia in women can occur even if there are no problems with the legs. This condition can be caused by a number of factors that adversely affect the blood vessels in this area, impaired blood flow to the pelvic organs, lifestyle and work characteristics. Often such a pathology of the female genital organs is noted in early pregnancy, when the load on this area sometimes increases, but the symptoms of this disease can occur and a number of provocative factors must be taken into account. to protect the health of the female reproductive system.
What is the disease?
In the presence of symptoms characteristic of this pathology, varicose veins of the labia can be observed due to hereditary predisposition, but the onset of pregnancy has the greatest impact on the development and progression of the disease. It is during this period that hormonal changes occur in the body, the body weight gradually increases, which leads to an increase in pressure on the genitals of a woman with a bulge, which characterizes the development of varicose veins.
Detection of this disease is carried out by a phlebologist, who can determine the initial stage of the disease even through external examination. For a more accurate diagnosis, a number of tests are performed on a woman's labia, which will allow not only to determine the presence of protruding vessels, but also to determine the stage of the pathology. Accurate diagnosis of vulvar varicose veins allows the doctor to develop the most effective treatment regimen, which allows you to quickly eliminate the obvious manifestations of the pathology.
The initial stage of development of varicose veins in this part of the female body has relatively small manifestations (for example, a feeling of tightness and fullness in the perineum, itching and burning sensations, most strongly occurs during urination). The progression of symptoms increases, significantly lowers a woman's overall quality of life, and exacerbates anxiety that may occur as the pregnancy progresses. Therefore, the sooner the necessary treatment is started, the easier the pregnancy will be tolerated by the woman, and the less likely it is that the side effects of this pathology will manifest themselves in the future.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lips
The manifestations of the disease of the female genital area in question are very characteristic, which allows it to be identified at an early stage of development and to prevent aggravation of manifestations. Varicose veins on the lips occur as a result of changes in hormonal levels and during the onset and development of pregnancy, a significant increase in body weight, affecting a woman's genitals and lower extremities.
Also, the following manifestations should be attributed to the symptoms of the disease in question:
- appearance of a feeling of fullness in the perineal region;
- burning and itching, especially noticeable when urinating;
- increase in the size of the lips due to the protrusion of veins from the surface of the body;
- swelling of tissues;
- anxiety during intimate relationships;
- pain even during hygiene procedures;
- An increase in the size of the vessels in the perineal region can be detected even when examining this area.
In addition to the listed symptoms, which allow to detect the existing pathology at an early stage of development, it is possible to note the subjective manifestations of early pregnancy and hormonal disorders.
Causes of varicose veins of the lips
The most common causes of circulatory disorders in the perineum and labia are the development of pregnancy, as well as hormonal changes in the body during this period.
However, there are a number of factors that negatively affect the female genital area and are prone to the development of this pathology. Phlebologists refer to the following provocative factors:
- Heredity. If someone in the family has venous disease, circulatory disorders, or venous insufficiency, a woman can expect varicose veins in the perineum, especially the labia, during pregnancy.
- Sedentary lifestyle and insufficient physical activity. Stagnation of blood flow, especially in the pelvic organs, can adversely affect the development of this disease for a long time.
- Overweight. This is primarily a significant body weight that can adversely affect the arteries of the lower extremities and small pelvis, so controlling your weight and removing the extra pounds in a timely manner will help prevent the development of varicose veins in any area. of the body.
The tendency to reduce the tone, bulge and circulatory disorders of the lips can also be an indirect cause of the pathology. The combination of causes and triggers should be considered as the main cause of the onset and further aggravation of venous insufficiency in the labia perineum. Varicose veins of the lips occur due to direct causes of its development (the beginning and development of pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body during this period), as well as the presence of irritants and their early detection. stage of pathology.
Genital varicose veins during pregnancy can be considered a common disease, found in about 40-60% of pregnant women in the first half of pregnancy, and in 10-20 during the development of pregnancy. percentage of women. A phlebologist and a gynecologist in charge of pregnancy will help to make a correct diagnosis in time, develop a treatment regimen and subsequent prophylactic effects.
Methods of treatment
Treatment of varicose veins of the lips is carried out only after the final and confirmed diagnosis, taking into account the condition of the spouse and the course of pregnancy. It is necessary to make the necessary adjustments to avoid the development of side effects in the form of allergies during the therapeutic effect, to determine the possible side effects of drugs used in the body of a pregnant woman, the aggravation of existing symptoms.
The most effective methods of treatment of varicose veins of the perineum and labia are changes in a woman's lifestyle, increasing her physical activity, as well as the implementation of certain physiotherapy procedures to improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs. The use of the drug is agreed in advance with the attending physician, a test is performed for the occurrence of allergic reactions in the body of the pregnant woman, and an exposure scheme is developed to eliminate the possible negative consequences of such treatment. Surgery, which is usually prescribed in the advanced stages of the disease, can also be performed.
Ointments for external use
Venotonic ointments provide the fastest penetration of the active substance directly into the affected area, the symptoms disappear after the first few applications of the ointment. First of all, their use eliminates painful sensations and itching.
Among the effective drugs for the treatment of varicose veins of the lips are therapeutic ointments, which are applied to the affected area for a period of time determined by the attending physician 2-3 times a day. The duration of their use depends on both the stage of the disease and the degree of sensitivity of the body to the active substance of the selected drug.
Surgery
Surgery can be prescribed at an advanced stage of the disease, when the symptoms do not allow you to lead a normal sexual life, give an unpleasant and painful feeling in everyday life. Surgery allows to remove protruding vessels and stabilize the circulatory process in the labia.
However, this method of therapeutic effect can be used only if there is evidence and a doctor's appointment.
Compression underwear
The use of compression garments, which will ensure the normal condition of the vessels and provide the necessary movement in the labia tissues, is an excellent alternative to other therapeutic methods. There are several brands of such canvases, usually prescribed in the early stages of the disease.
Treatment at home with folk remedies
Treatment of this pathology is possible at home using folk remedies, but such exposure should be agreed with the attending physician in advance. The most effective in the early stages of pathology and as a prophylactic agent.
Varicose veins, which are characteristic of the veins of the lips, can be treated with cold compresses, rowan juice, sitting baths.
Cold compresses, as practice shows, allow to eliminate itching and burning in this area, reduce the degree of swelling of the affected vessels. They are usually used for a short time, after which an ointment selected by a doctor is applied to the veins to increase the tone of the veins.
Rowan juice has proven to be an effective tool for the treatment and prevention of large blood vessels and vascular tone reduction, while oral administration can eliminate the obvious symptoms of varicose veins in the perineal region in women. Also, diluted juice is used for cold compresses.
Sitting baths help reduce pain and eliminate tissue swelling. Herbal decoctions and rowan juice can be added to such baths to eliminate inflammation. After such baths, lubrication of the lips with ointments with venotonic effect gives excellent results, even in advanced stages of the disease.
Is there a risk of a normal pregnancy with varicose veins of the lips?
The early stages of the disease are not a threat to pregnancy, but varicose veins in this area are the cause of discomfort in pregnant women, a decrease in quality of life. Varicose veins that develop on the labia during pregnancy should be detected in a timely manner - this eliminates even a small risk to its carrier.
Patient advice
As a recommendation to prevent the disease, doctors recommend avoiding the appearance of excess weight, controlling the amount of physical activity and preventing blood stasis in the pelvic organs.
Varicose veins in the labia that develop during pregnancy are a preventable phenomenon. Paying attention to health, eliminating the triggers will allow you to easily transfer the pregnancy.