Varicose veins of the pelvis are now a common disease that affects many women between the ages of 25 and 40.Otherwise, the condition is called chronic pelvic pain syndrome or pelvic venous congestion syndrome.The cause of this problem is the backflow of blood through the ovarian vein, which occurs due to the compression of the vessels.That is, venous dilatation of the pelvic veins is a disease that is directly related to a decrease in the elasticity of the venous wall.
Many doctors consider this pathology to be something exotic and make such a diagnosis extremely rarely.This is explained by the fact that the pathology can manifest itself with different symptoms and a severe pain syndrome always prevails.For this reason, most experts confuse varicose veins of the pelvic organs with various hormonal or gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature.However, it is precisely on the timely diagnosis of varicose veins of the pelvis that a woman's quality of life and the possibility of having children in the future depend.Why does this disease arise, what symptoms occur and how to treat pelvic varicose veins?We will talk about all of this in this article.
Features of the development of varicose veins of the pelvis
A phenomenon such as varicose veins of the ovaries and uterus has long been known in medicine.This disease was first identified in the 80s and has not been fully understood to this day.And every year cases of this pathology become more common, since the lifestyle of most people has changed during this period.Nowadays, most people are sedentary and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.The mechanism for the development of varicose veins of the pelvis is triggered by various hormonal changes, as well as the increasing pressure of the uterus on the vessels of the pelvis, which is usually observed during pregnancy.
There is a blockage of the pelvic vessels, which leads to the development of the disease.
The algorithm for the development of pathology is as follows:
- The vascular system of the small pelvis is quite complex and consists of large vessels, which in turn are divided into smaller veins.In addition, the structure of the pelvis is somewhat different in women and men, which explains the occurrence of this disease mainly in women;
- There is compression of blood vessels, as well as blockage of the veins, as a result of which the tone of the vascular walls changes and the flow of blood from the deep veins of the pelvis is disrupted.
- Due to malfunction, the pelvic veins cannot perform their functions properly.This leads to progression of venous valve insufficiency;
- The pelvic vessels become blocked, which leads to the development of varicose veins in the small pelvis.
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, which are associated with bulging of the veins in the lower extremities, varicose veins of the pelvis in women go unnoticed because the veins located deep in the pelvis are affected.Therefore, many women may not even suspect that they suffer from this pathology.However, in almost all cases there is one main symptom that indicates the presence of a problem.And this symptom is pain characterized by intensity and duration, usually observed before critical days or after heavy physical exertion.
Causes of the development of pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As already mentioned, the disease arises mainly due to changes in hormone levels.And women of childbearing age are most susceptible to the development of this pathological process.Pregnant girls and women who work in difficult physical conditions are particularly susceptible to varicose veins in the pelvic area.In some cases, this type of varicose veins can develop in adolescence, which is also accompanied by changes in hormonal levels.
The most common cause of the disease is pregnancy.
However, in contrast to the course of the disease in adulthood, the pathology in this case is asymptomatic.And the only thing that will let you know that there is a problem is an increase in vaginal discharge.That is, we can say that the main reasons for the development of varicose veins of the pelvis are hormonal changes in the body and pregnancy.But there are also some other reasons for the development of the disease:
- congenital connective tissue dysplasia.This phenomenon is observed in 30% of people and is characterized by thinning and curvature of the veins and weakness of the venous valves;
- difficult or multiple births.Various complications during the birth process or the birth of a large fetus lead to disruption of blood outflow in the veins of the small pelvis;
- Pregnancy with multiple fetuses at the same time.This leads to increased stress on the body, especially the pelvic vessels;
- some gynecological diseases;
- Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives;
- treatment with hormonal drugs;
- Retroflexion of the uterus.
There are also the following factors that provoke the development of varicose veins in the pelvic area:
- severe physical stress, such asB. constant heavy lifting;
- Standing or sitting work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunctions, such asB. lack of orgasms;
- frequent use of interrupted sexual intercourse.
However, the most common cause of the development of pathology is still pregnancy.At this stage of life, almost 30% of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Basically, the symptoms of the disease begin to appear after the 8th week of pregnancy.
Classification of the disease
Depending on the nature of the course, varicose veins of the small pelvis can take two forms:
- Varicose veins of the perineum and external genitalia.As the disease progresses, varicose veins can spread to the inside of the thigh;
- pelvic venous congestion syndrome.
This classification is not widely used in medicine because both forms arise simultaneously as a result of each other.Dilated vulvar veins are often observed in pregnant women, and in most cases the pathology disappears on its own after childbirth, but not always.Depending on the size of the damaged veins and the location of the pathology, 3 degrees are distinguished:
- first degree.The damaged vein reaches a maximum diameter of 5 mm, is localized in any venous plexus of the small pelvis and is characterized by a corkscrew-shaped course of blood vessels;
- second degree.The diameter of the vein can be 6 to 10 mm and is usually observed in the general form of varicose veins localized in the ovaries or uterus;
- third degree.The damaged vein has a diameter of more than 10 mm with complete varicose vein or main location.
Depending on the degree of disease development, an appropriate treatment method is selected.For first and second degree pelvic varicose veins, the doctor usually prescribes conservative treatment, which consists of lifestyle changes, special exercises and taking medications.However, the third stage of pathology can only be cured through surgery.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the pelvic area
A disease such as pelvic varicose veins, the symptoms of which are diverse, is often disguised as other diseases of the reproductive system.The main sign of pathology is severe pain in the lower abdomen, which occurs for no apparent reason and can radiate to the lumbar region or perineum.In addition, the pain is usually accompanied by a causeless mucous discharge from the vagina, which increases in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: severe, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
If varicose veins are present in the pelvic area, symptoms may also be as follows:
- severe stabbing pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation;
- increased sensitivity of the perineum and vagina;
- menstrual irregularities;
- Feeling of heaviness in the pelvis when standing for a long time;
- itching and discomfort in the vulvar area;
- the presence of bulging veins and spider veins on the perineum, characteristic of varicose veins;
- unpleasant sensations, discomfort during intimacy.
There may also be problems with childbirth and problems with urination, such as increased urination.And with a form of the disease such as varicose veins of the genital organs, bleeding and acute thrombophlebitis of the perineal veins may occur.Symptoms can be either mild or severe, and either one symptom or a complex of symptoms can be observed.This makes it difficult to diagnose a phenomenon such as varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women.
Consequences of varicose veins in the pelvis
This type of varicose veins is not an extremely dangerous disease.And timely diagnosis of pathology allows you to quickly eliminate the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of properly selected treatment.However, it is usually quite difficult to detect the disease in time and many women live with this problem without even knowing it.And as the disease progresses, the following serious complications begin to develop in the body:
- dysfunction of the reproductive system leading to infertility;
- neurasthenia as a result of pain syndrome;
- Fear of intimacy due to constant pain during sexual intercourse;
- Inflammation of the uterus and its appendages;
- bladder diseases;
- Uterine bleeding.
Varicose veins of the pelvis in women, without proper treatment, continue to develop and spread to neighboring organs and parts of the body.And in 5% of cases there is a risk of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are fatal diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins in the pelvic area
Due to the generality of the symptoms and the localization of the symptoms of the disease, varicose veins of the pelvis are quite difficult to diagnose.And just 20 years ago, the correct diagnosis was only made in 2% of cases.Incorrect diagnosis of the problem sometimes even led to the removal of the uterus, which could have been avoided using modern diagnostic equipment.Today, in order to make a correct diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is carried out with the participation of a gynecologist and phlebologist.
A popular form of treatment for the disease is laparoscopy.
Today, after a thorough interview and examination of the patient, the doctor prescribes the most accurate methods for diagnosing pelvic varicose veins:
- Laparoscopy;
- phlebography;
- Dopplerography of blood vessels;
- Ultrasound of the venous system;
- selective ovariography;
- Computed tomography and MRI;
- Varigraphy.
The doctor may also prescribe additional tests such as blood tests and x-rays, which can help assess the patient's condition more accurately.After an accurate diagnosis, the doctor selects the most appropriate treatment, the purpose of which is:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- improving blood supply to tissues;
- elimination of symptoms;
- Prevention of the development of congestion and various complications.
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins should be comprehensive and may consist of drug and basic therapy, surgery, as well as treatment with folk remedies.The basic therapy of the disease includes:
- regular therapeutic exercises;
- special diet;
- contrast shower;
- Wearing special underwear.
You should also review your daily routine if necessary.If the cause of the development of varicose veins is physical stress due to the special type of work, you need to switch to easier work.Drug treatment for varicose veins in the pelvic area consists of taking the following medications:
- phlebotonics;
- enterosorbents;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectors;
- hormonal medications.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only in the advanced stage of varicose veins, when conservative treatment is ineffective or the pain syndrome cannot be eliminated.The doctor may recommend the use of herbal remedies containing dandelion, horse chestnut or chaga, among others.