Vein pathologies in women are a common phenomenon. Gender is determined by hormonal changes, lifestyle characteristics, body functionality and other factors. Veins can be damaged under the influence of external and internal factors. This leads to the stretching of blood vessels, thinning of the walls, the formation of plaques, valve dysfunction, blood thickening and other negative consequences. Varicose veins of the small pelvis in women are a type of venous pathology. It is characterized by discomfort, pain, a feeling of heaviness and squeezing, and sometimes even leads to dysfunction of the reproductive system.
What are pelvic varicose veins?
Phlebeurismis a pathology characterized by a change in the normal state of the vessels and veins of the human body. ICD-10 does not have a separate classification. Diseases of the veins are defined by code I80-I89. A separate classification includes varicose veins of the lower extremities (I83. 9), which is often combined with varicose veins of the small pelvis in women.
With varicose veins of the small pelvis, there is a thinning of the walls of the blood vessels, their expansion and stretching. In this state the blood stagnates. Due to the decrease in tone, the vessels are not able to fully function and pump blood, as a result, special joints are formed in them, which are popularly called varicose veins.
In recent years, there has been a tendency towards the renewal of the disease. If before, varicose veins of the small pelvis mainly affected elderly women, now the pathology is found more and more in young patients. According to statistics, up to 20% of women of childbearing age have varying degrees of varicose veins. Pelvic varices (PVVD) are often associated with other pathological processes, which seriously complicates the diagnostic procedure.
Varicose veins affect the function of the pelvic organs. It can be accompanied by severe symptoms or no clinical manifestations. In difficult situations it becomes a cause of complications. Treatment of varicose veins is chosen individually and does not always achieve the desired result.
Classification of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Varicose veins of the pelvis appear differently in different women. Some patients complain of severe symptoms, while others practically do not experience manifestations of pathology. For some, even serious treatment does not allow them to completely get rid of the pathology, while others can easily cope with the disease through lifestyle changes. In gynecology, a classification of varicose veins of the small pelvis has been adopted, which accurately characterizes the development of the pathology.
Forms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Varicose veins of the pelvis in women are associated with a decrease in the tone of the vascular wall, weakening, decreased 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 great vein, as a result of which the external genital vein is affected. Often the cause is long-term pregnancy, during which compression of the inferior vena cava and iliac vein occurs from the enlarged uterus.
- Venous congestion syndrome- characterized by the expansion and stretching of the veins inside the small pelvis and the return of blood through them. The causes of such reflux can be very different.
Stages of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Varicose veins of the pelvic organs can occur in three stages. As the disease progresses, one phase replaces another. The stages of the disease differ in the severity of the symptoms and the severity of the disease.
- The first phase
It is characterized by the expansion of the veins up to a diameter of 5 mm. Vascular tone is reduced and the mesh takes on a tortuous appearance.
- Second phase
It is characterized by a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular bed in the pelvis. The diameter of dilated veins is from 6 to 10 mm. Parametrial vessels and ovarian plexuses are affected.
- The third stage
It is characterized by total vascular fiber damage. The diameter of the expansion exceeds 10 mm. Against the background of progressive varicose veins, a woman can develop complications.
The nature of development
According to the nature of appearance and development, varicose veins of the small pelvis are classified:
- Primary varicose veins of the pelvic veins in women
It is formed against the background of acquired or congenital valve pathologies. Doctors usually talk about valvular insufficiency of the veins, which is accompanied by the appearance of twisted and excessive vessels. Often, the causes of primary varicose veins are increased physical activity, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the use of hormonal medications.
- Secondary varicose veins of the pelvic veins in women
Formed against the background of past diseases. Infectious pathologies, tumor processes, pelvic endometriosis and abnormal development of pelvic organs can affect the tone of the veins.
The causes of the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Pathologies of the veins of the pelvic organs can develop for the following reasons:
- Legacy. Often, vein diseases in women are hereditary. If a mother, grandmother or aunt in the family had varicose veins, then the disease is likely to affect the next female generation.
- Dysplasia of the connective tissue of the pelvic organs. It is a congenital anomaly and is characterized by a decrease in collagen production, against the background of which the tone of the vascular pattern decreases.
- pregnant. During pregnancy, the load on muscles and blood vessels increases greatly. The growing uterus puts pressure on neighboring tissues and adjacent veins. With polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, large fetuses and other conditions, a woman can develop varicose veins.
- Excess body weight. With obesity in women, the pressure on the pelvic organs increases. This can lead not only to the development of varicose veins, but also to other health problems.
- Sedentary physical activity. The human body needs regular physical activity. We're not talking about grueling workouts. On the contrary, excessive physical activity can become an independent cause of varicose veins of the small pelvis. With a sedentary lifestyle, blood flow in the pelvis is interrupted and stagnation processes develop.
- Hormonal disorders. The work of the entire female body is completely subject to hormonal levels. Hormonal changes and taking hormonal medications can cause a decrease in vascular tone.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are often associated with varicose veins of the small pelvis. If a woman has varicose veins in her legs, she should definitely undergo an examination of the pelvic veins and, if necessary, undergo treatment.
Risk factors
The risk of developing pelvic varicose veins in women increases with the following factors:
- bad habits;
- overeating;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and tendency to constipation;
- lack of intimate life;
- difficult pregnancy;
- Surgical intervention;
- pelvic organ injuries;
- hormonal treatment;
- heavy physical activity.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvic organs
Many women have no symptoms of pelvic varicose veins. The disease can exist for a long time without clinical manifestations. At the same time, the pathology is insidious in that it progresses imperceptibly, resulting in serious health problems.
Signs of varicose veins of the small pelvis in women can be similar to other gynecological pathologies. Therefore, when choosing treatment tactics, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis and exclude other diseases of the pelvic organs.
General symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- penetration of abnormal uterine bleeding;
- discharge unrelated to the menstrual cycle;
- feeling of distention and the presence of a foreign body in the pelvis;
- lumbago in the sacrum, in the lower back, in the legs, in the perineum;
- bright 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 pelvis in women is the formation of twisted bluish veins in the area of the external genital organs and in the vagina.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in the pelvis
A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on the patient's complaints and clinical examination. Visually, varicose veins look like cyanotic nodes and dilated vessels. Since the signs of pathology are often confused with other gynecological diseases, to clarify the diagnosis it is necessary to carry out diagnostics:
- visual examination of the external genitalia;
- examination of the vagina and cervix in speculation;
- palpation and diagnosis of valve functionality in the groin area;
- Ultrasound of pelvic organs;
- Doppler study;
- CT scan;
- magnetic tomography;
- hysteroscopy;
- laparoscopy.
Treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women can be surgical, conservative or complex. The treatment method is selected individually, in accordance with clinical manifestations, the stage of varicose veins, the cause of the development of vein pathology and other factors. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Medicinal treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis
For varicose veins of the small pelvis, the doctor chooses an individual drug treatment regimen. The following drugs are traditionally prescribed:
- Venotonics. Modern pharmacology offers many types of venotonics. The main task of the drugs is to increase the elasticity of blood vessels, normalize blood flow and stabilize the functioning of the valves. Medicines can be used both for internal use and in the form of ointments.
- Anticoagulants. Medicines are prescribed for blood thickening due to pelvic varicose veins. This parameter is determined by laboratory testing. Blood thinners prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce blood thickness.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines are used for severe pain and as additional medicine for the inflammatory process. As a rule, NSAIDs have a symptomatic effect. They relieve the symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis, but do not completely solve the problem.
- Vitamin complexes and microelements. Since most people are deficient in nutrients and do not get enough from food, supplemental vitamins are recommended. Taking vitamins B, C, D is recommended for varicose veins.
Surgery
If drug treatment is unsuccessful, it is recommended to consider the possibility of surgical treatment of pelvic varicose veins. The operation is also performed for severe forms of varicose veins.
A modern method of treating varicose veins is endovascular embolization of gonadal vessels. The procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. The operation involves inserting coils that block the duct using a catheter into the dilated vein. As a result, blood circulation stops completely in the pathological area. It should be noted that the operation is safe from the point of view of damage to the circulatory system. Since the dilated veins themselves are pathological and are no longer able to function properly, it is advisable to exclude them from the general circulation. Refusal of treatment is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation in the vessels.
The procedure of endovascular embolization allows solving the problem of varicose veins of the small pelvis in 95% of cases. In the future, the woman is recommended to undergo lifelong prevention of vascular diseases.
General recommendations for women with pelvic varicose veins
At any stage of treatment for varicose veins, as well as after the completion of the correction technique, doctors recommend that women wear compression garments. After the operation, the period of use of such a vest is determined individually. Usually, in the first days after surgery, stockings are worn all the time. In the future, it is allowed to remove the compression during sleep.
Women with pelvic varicose veins are not recommended to do heavy sports or carry weights. Baths, saunas and hot baths should be completely avoided. Thermal procedures can worsen the flow of varicose veins.
With varicose veins, special attention should be paid to body weight. Excess weight can become a stimulator of varicose veins. Therefore, it is important to stabilize your body weight and lead an active lifestyle.
Why are pelvic varicose veins dangerous for women?
Complications of varicose veins:
- thromboembolism;
- thrombophlebitis;
- vein thrombosis;
- hemorrhoids;
- hormonal imbalances;
- abnormal uterine bleeding;
- chronic pelvic pain;
- infertility.
Pregnancy and pelvic varicose veins
Varicose veins are not usually a cause of infertility. Enlarged and distended veins may be an increased risk factor for women planning to become pregnant. It is impossible to say immediately how the future mother's body will behave. The uterus is the main organ for the unborn child. If the blood circulation in the reproductive organ is damaged or the blood circulation of the placenta is obstructed, then there is a high risk of miscarriage or the formation of various intrauterine disorders.
Prevention of varicose veins of the small pelvis
There is no specific prevention of pelvic varicose veins. Every woman has a risk of developing varicose veins. Therefore, everyone should follow simple rules:
- healthy lifestyle;
- good nutrition;
- obesity prevention;
- rejection of bad habits;
- moderate physical activity;
- drinking enough fluids;
- refusal to wear high heels for a long time;
- a rational approach to pregnancy planning and prevention of pregnancy complications;
- use of compression garments with high risk of varicose veins;
- regular scheduled medical examinations.
If varicose veins of the small pelvis have already been detected, then the doctor will give recommendations on how to prevent the progression of the disease. As a rule, a woman is prescribed a venotonic course and regular wearing of compression garments.