Venous diseases in women are a common phenomenon. Gender is determined by hormonal changes, lifestyle characteristics, body functions and other factors. Veins can be damaged under the influence of external and internal factors. This leads to stretching of blood vessels, thinning of their walls, the formation of plaques, dysfunction of the valves, thickening of the blood and other negative consequences. Varicose veins of the pelvis in women are a type of venous pathology. It is characterized by discomfort, pain, heaviness and tightness and sometimes even leads to dysfunction of the reproductive system.
What are varicose veins of the pelvis?
Phlebeurysmis a pathology characterized by a change in the normal state of the vessels and veins of the human body. The ICD-10 does not have its own classification. Venous diseases are designated with the code I80-I89. A separate classification includes varicose veins of the lower extremities (I83. 9), which are often combined with varicose veins of the pelvis in women.
With varicose veins of the small pelvis, there is a thinning of the blood vessel walls, their expansion and stretching. In this state the blood stagnates. Due to the decrease in tone, the vessels are unable to fully function and pump blood, as a result of which peculiar nodules form in them, which are popularly called varicose veins.
In recent years there has been a trend towards rejuvenation of the disease. While varicose veins of the pelvis used to mainly affect older women, today the pathology is increasingly found in young patients. According to statistics, up to 20% of women of childbearing age suffer from varicose veins of varying degrees. Pelvic varicose veins (PVVD) are often accompanied by other pathological processes, which significantly complicates the diagnostic procedure.
Varicose veins impair the function of the pelvic organs. May be accompanied by severe symptoms or have no clinical manifestations. In difficult situations, complications can arise. Treatment for varicose veins is selected individually and does not always lead to the desired result.
Classification of varicose veins of the pelvis
Varicose veins in the pelvic area appear differently in different women. Some patients complain of severe symptoms, while others have practically no pathological manifestations. For some, even serious treatment does not manage to completely eliminate the pathology, while others can easily cope with the disease by making lifestyle changes. In gynecology, a classification of varicose veins of the small pelvis has been introduced, which accurately characterizes the development of the pathology.
Forms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Varicose veins of the pelvis in women are accompanied by a decrease in the tone of the vascular wall, weakening, reduced elasticity and the formation of ectasia - an increase in the lumen in a limited area of the vein.
There are two forms of pelvic varicose veins:
- Varicose veins of the vagina and external genitalia (perineum)- characterized by a change in the structure of the channels of the large vein, as a result of which the external genital vein is affected. The cause is often a long-term pregnancy in which the enlarged uterus causes compression of the inferior vena cava and the iliac vein.
- Venous congestion syndrome- characterized by an expansion and stretching of the veins in the small pelvis and the backflow of blood through them. The causes of such reflux can be very diverse.
Stages of varicose veins of the pelvis
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs can occur in three stages. As the disease progresses, one stage gives way to another. The stages of the disease differ in the severity of the symptoms and the severity of the disease.
- First stage
Characterized by dilation of veins up to 5 mm in diameter. The vascular tone decreases and the omentum takes on a tortuous appearance.
- Second floor
It is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular bed in the pelvis. The diameter of dilated veins is 6 to 10 mm. Parametric vessels and ovarian plexuses are affected.
- Third section
Characterized by complete damage to the vascular fiber. The expansion diameter exceeds 10mm. Against the background of progressive varicose veins, a woman may experience complications.
type of development
Depending on the type of appearance and development, varicose veins of the small pelvis are divided into the following categories:
- Primary varicose veins of the pelvic veins in women
It arises against the background of acquired or congenital valve pathologies. Doctors usually speak of valve insufficiency of the veins, which is accompanied by the appearance of tortuous and overstretched vessels. Causes of primary varicose veins often include increased physical activity, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and taking hormonal medications.
- Secondary varicose veins of the pelvic veins in women
Arose against the background of past illnesses. Infectious pathologies, tumor processes, pelvic endometriosis and abnormal development of the pelvic organs can affect the tone of the veins.
Causes of the development of varicose veins in the pelvis
Pathologies of the veins of the pelvic organs can develop for the following reasons:
- Inheritance. Venous diseases in women are often inherited. If a mother, grandmother or aunt in the family had varicose veins, the disease is likely to affect the next female generation.
- Connective tissue dysplasia of the pelvic organs. It is a congenital anomaly and is characterized by a decrease in collagen production, against which the tone of the vascular pattern decreases.
- pregnancy. During pregnancy, the strain on muscles and blood vessels increases significantly. The growing uterus puts pressure on nearby tissues and adjacent veins. A woman may develop varicose veins in polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, large fetuses and other diseases.
- Overweight. When women are overweight, the pressure on the pelvic organs increases. This can lead not only to the development of varicose veins, but also to other health problems.
- Decreased physical activity. The human body needs regular physical activity. We're not talking about strenuous training sessions here. On the contrary, excessive physical activity can be an independent cause of pelvic varicose veins. With a sedentary lifestyle, blood circulation in the pelvis is disrupted and stagnation processes occur.
- Hormonal disorders. The work of the entire female body is completely subject to hormonal levels. Hormonal changes and taking hormonal drugs can lead to a deterioration in vascular tone.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are often accompanied by varicose veins of the pelvis. If a woman has tortuous vessels in her legs, she should definitely undergo an examination of the pelvic vessels and, if necessary, treatment.
Risk factors
The risk of developing varicose veins in the pelvis in women increases with the following factors:
- Bad habits;
- binge eating;
- Disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract and tendency to constipation;
- lack of intimate life;
- difficult pregnancy;
- surgical interventions;
- injuries to the pelvic organs;
- hormonal treatment;
- heavy physical activity.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvic organs
Many women have no symptoms of varicose veins in the pelvic area. The disease can persist for a long time without clinical manifestations. At the same time, the pathology is insidious, as it progresses imperceptibly and leads to serious health problems.
The signs of varicose veins of the pelvis in women may be similar to those of other gynecological diseases. Therefore, when choosing treatment tactics, it is necessary to carry out differential diagnosis and exclude other diseases of the pelvic organs.
General symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- breakthrough abnormal uterine bleeding;
- discharge that has no connection with the menstrual cycle;
- a feeling of tension and the presence of a foreign body in the pelvis;
- lumbago in the sacrum, lower back, leg, perineum;
- mild premenstrual syndrome;
- severe pain during menstrual bleeding;
- discomfort and pain during intimacy;
- frequent urination;
- Dysfunction of the digestive tract.
A characteristic sign of varicose veins in the pelvic area in women is the formation of convoluted bluish veins in the area of the external genitals and in the vagina.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in the pelvis
Based on the patient's complaints and clinical examination, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. Visually, varicose veins look like cyanotic nodules and dilated vessels. Since the signs of pathology are often confused with other gynecological diseases, diagnostics are required to clarify the diagnosis:
- visual examination of the external genitalia;
- Examination of the vagina and cervix with a speculum;
- Palpation and diagnosis of the functionality of valves in the groin area;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
- Doppler study;
- CT scan;
- magnetic tomography;
- hysteroscopy;
- Laparoscopy.
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvis
Treatment of varicose veins in the pelvic area in women can be surgical, conservative or complex. The treatment method is selected individually according to the clinical manifestations, the stage of varicose veins, the cause of the development of venous pathology and other factors. The main goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Drug treatment of varicose veins of the pelvis
For varicose veins of the pelvis, the doctor selects an individual drug treatment regimen. Traditionally, the following medications are prescribed:
- Venotonics. Modern pharmacology offers many types of venotonics. The main task of drugs is to increase the elasticity of blood vessels, normalize blood flow and stabilize the function of the valves. The medications can be used both internally and in the form of ointments.
- Anticoagulants. The medication is prescribed to thicken the blood due to varicose veins in the pelvic area. This parameter is determined through laboratory tests. Blood thinners prevent blood clots from forming and reduce blood thickness.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications are used for severe pain and as an additional remedy against the inflammatory process. NSAIDs usually have a symptomatic effect. They relieve signs of varicose veins in the pelvis, but do not completely solve the problem.
- Vitamin complexes and microelements. Since most people suffer from a nutrient deficiency and do not get enough from their diet, a supplementary vitamin intake is recommended. For varicose veins, taking vitamins B, C, D is recommended.
surgery
If drug treatment is unsuccessful, it is recommended to consider the possibility of surgical treatment of pelvic varicose veins. The operation is also carried out for severe forms of varicose veins.
A modern method of treating enlarged veins is endovascular embolization of gonadal vessels. The procedure is carried out in a hospital under general anesthesia. During the operation, coils that block the duct are inserted into the enlarged vein using a catheter. This causes blood flow in the pathological area to come to a complete standstill. It should be noted that the operation is safe in terms of damage to the circulatory system. Since enlarged veins themselves are pathological and can no longer function properly, it is recommended that they be excluded from the general circulation. If treatment is refused, there is an increased risk of blood clots forming in the vessels.
The endovascular embolization procedure allows solving the problem of varicose veins of the small pelvis in 95% of cases. In the future, women are recommended to take lifelong prevention of vascular diseases.
General recommendations for women with pelvic varicose veins
At any stage of treatment of varicose veins, as well as after completing the correction technique, doctors recommend women to wear compression clothing. After the operation, the duration of use of such a jersey is determined individually. Stockings are usually worn around the clock for the first few days after surgery. In the future, it is permissible to remove compression during sleep.
Women with pelvic varicose veins are not recommended to participate in strenuous sports or wear weights. Baths, saunas and hot baths should be avoided entirely. Thermal procedures can worsen the course of varicose veins.
If you have varicose veins, you should pay particular attention to your body weight. Being overweight can stimulate varicose veins. Therefore, it is important to stabilize body weight and lead an active lifestyle.
Why are varicose veins in the pelvic area dangerous for women?
Complications of varicose veins:
- thromboembolism;
- thrombophlebitis;
- venous thrombosis;
- Hemorrhoids;
- hormonal imbalances;
- abnormal uterine bleeding;
- chronic pelvic pain;
- Infertility.
Pregnancy and varicose veins of the pelvis
Varicose veins are not usually a cause of infertility. Enlarged and distended veins can be an increased risk factor for women planning to become pregnant. It is impossible to say immediately how the body of the expectant mother will behave. The uterus is the main organ of the unborn child. If blood flow to the reproductive organ is impaired or blood flow to the placenta is impaired, there is a high risk of miscarriage or the development of various intrauterine disorders.
Prevention of varicose veins of the pelvis
There is no specific prevention of pelvic varicose veins. Every woman is at risk of developing varicose veins. Therefore, everyone must follow simple rules:
- healthy lifestyle;
- Good nutrition;
- obesity prevention;
- rejection of bad habits;
- moderate physical activity;
- drink enough fluids;
- Refusal to wear high heels for long periods of time;
- a rational approach to pregnancy planning and prevention of pregnancy complications;
- the use of compression clothing with a high risk of varicose veins;
- regularly scheduled medical examinations.
If varicose veins of the pelvis have already been identified, the doctor will give recommendations on how to prevent the progression of the disease. As a rule, a woman is prescribed venotonics and regular wearing of compression stockings.