Varicose veins in our body can be localized not only in the legs. The pelvic region is another place where varicose veins can occur. The pathological condition with dilated vessels in the small pelvis, as a rule, occurs in women and is accompanied by discomfort in the abdomen and periodic pain. Varicose veins of the small pelvis are also found in men, but this is mainly manifested by varicose veins of the spermatic cord. In men, this pathological process may be accompanied by discomfort, heaviness in the scrotum, pain nearby.
According to statistics, varicose veins of the small pelvis, or as it is called - chronic pelvic pain syndrome, occur mainly in young women - from 18 to 48 years. The number of people suffering from this disease increases several times with age. The statistics are disappointing. Thus, at the age of 18-19 years, varicose veins of the small pelvis are found in 15-18% of women, and by the age of 48 their number increases to 70-80%.
Causes of pelvic varicose veins
The first reason is physical inactivity. It also includes the specifics of the patient's work, "sitting" or "standing" work. Due to a person's prolonged stay in orthostasis, venous flow is disrupted, leading to stagnation in the small pelvis. The valves in the pathologically dilated vessels no longer adhere tightly to each other, a gap is created between the valves, and the blood is drained down due to gravity. Blood thickens in such vessels, which can lead to thrombosis.
The second reason is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size and begins to press on the vessels underneath. Also, during pregnancy, the hormonal background changes, the volume of blood circulating in the small pelvis increases.
However, such varicose veins do not pose a direct threat to women who are preparing for conception and pregnancy. Birth with varicose veins of the small pelvis is usually not significant. Unpleasant moment - 30-40% of pregnant women have varicose veins of the vulva and perineum. However, we must remember that immediately after birth, these vessels are significantly reduced and completely disappear after a year. After birth, varicose veins of the small pelvis remain in only 2-6% of patients.
The third reason is the presence of various types of gynecological pathologies for the treatment of which hormonal drugs are used.
The fourth reason is smoking. Smoking is very dangerous while taking hormonal contraceptives. Smoking thickens the blood like hormonal contraceptives. Thus, many ridiculous accidents are known in medicine when girls who take hormonal contraceptives die from thrombosis.
The fifth reason is obesity. With excess body weight, the load on the vessels increases significantly.
The sixth reason is that the environmental situation in the residential area, air pollution in cities, especially in megacities, increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
The main symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- painful periods;
- recurrent pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the pelvic region, spreads to the sacrum, lower back, perineum;
- pain and discomfort in the vulva or vagina during and after intercourse;
- abundant mucous discharge from the vagina, usually in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- visible dilation of venous vessels in the genital area, groin. "Star", "mesh" behind the hips and thighs.
What to do if you have symptoms of pelvic varicose veins?
If you find all of the above, then do not delay the visit to the doctor, otherwise the possible complications will not wait long.
The first doctor you should consult is a gynecologist.
He will conduct an examination and schedule all necessary examinations. All patients with suspected pelvic varicose veins undergo an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
The patient is referred to a phlebologist to clarify the diagnosis. They perform ultrasound duplex scanning of the vessels of the lower extremities (USDG), which allows you to get a complete picture of venous flow.
In difficult cases, the phlebologist may prescribe additional examination methods (CT, MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy). These studies are sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.
The degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis
- Grade 1 - small pelvic vessels up to 5 mm in diameter (damage to any venous plexus of the small pelvis is noted), the course of the vessel is already curved;
- Grade 2 - the size of the vessels is between 6 and 10 mm; on ultrasound, varicose veins appear in the entire small pelvis and can affect only the ovarian plexus, or the vessels in the uterus, or the vessels of the myometrium;
- Grade 3 is a common varicose veins of the small pelvis, varicose veins with a diameter of more than 10 - 12 mm.
How to treat pelvic varicose veins?
Non-drug treatment
- Fight hypodynamics. If the work involves sitting or standing for a long time, warm up after 1 to 1, 5 hours;
- Quit smoking, alcohol (especially if you are pregnant! );
- Wear compression underwear (socks, tights) to improve venous flow from the lower extremities;
- Wear comfortable shoes, avoid high-heeled shoes;
- Diet (excluding salty, spicy, fried diet). Salty foods always retain fluid in the body, which leads to edema and increased blood pressure - thus worsening blood flow through the arteries. You need to include more fiber (fruits, vegetables, greens) in your diet;
- Contrasting shower, (especially in the thigh, perineum, lower abdomen);
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
Drug treatment
- Phlebotonics - improve the tone of varicose veins, reduce their permeability;
- Horse chestnut extract - to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- Troxerutin - improve blood flow from varicose veins, increase vascular tone, reduce inflammation and edema;
- Vitamin C - strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reducing their fragility.
Venous gels and ointments are not used in the treatment of pelvic varicose veins due to the internal location of the affected vessels.
Doctors recommend that drug treatment be combined with the wearing of compression stockings (socks, tights). There is a special need for compression garments during pregnancy.
Surgery
Surgery is an extreme measure used in cases where medical correction is impossible and ineffective, the disease is very advanced and can cause a number of complications.
Different methods are used depending on the distribution, location and diameter of pathological vessels. When surgery is necessary, the choice of type of surgical care is individual, because everything depends on the location and spread.