Varicose veins of the small pelvis are a common disease today that affects many women between the ages of 25 and 40.Otherwise, the disease 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 as a result of compression of the vessels.In other words, venous dilation of the pelvic veins is a disease directly related to the decrease in the elasticity of the venous wall.
Many doctors consider this pathology something exotic and rarely make such a diagnosis.This is explained by the fact that the pathology can manifest itself with different symptoms and an intense pain syndrome always predominates.Because of this, most experts confuse varicose veins of the pelvic organs with various hormonal or gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature.But it is precisely from the timely diagnosis of varicose veins of the small pelvis that the woman's quality of life and the opportunity to have children in the future depend.Why does this disease develop, what symptoms does it manifest and how to treat pelvic varicose veins?We will talk about all of this in this article.
Features of the development of pelvic varicose veins
Such a phenomenon as varicose veins of the ovaries and uterus has been known in medicine for a long time.This disease was first identified in the 1980s and has not yet been fully studied.And every year cases of this pathology become more common, as most people's lifestyles have changed during this period.Today, most people have sedentary jobs and lead unhealthy lifestyles.The mechanism of development of varicose veins of the small pelvis is triggered by various hormonal changes, as well as increased pressure from the uterus on the vessels of the small pelvis, which is usually observed during pregnancy.
Congestion begins to occur in the pelvic vessels, which provokes 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.Furthermore, the structure of the pelvis in women and men is slightly different, which explains the occurrence of this disease mainly in women;
- compression of blood vessels occurs, as well as blockage of veins, due to which the tone of the vascular walls changes and the process of blood flow from the deep veins of the pelvis is disrupted;
- Due to malfunction, the pelvic veins cannot perform their functions properly.This leads to the progression of venous valve insufficiency;
- congestion begins to occur in the pelvic vessels, which leads to the development of varicose veins in the small pelvis.
Unlike varicose veins in the legs, which are accompanied by protrusion of the veins in the lower limbs, varicose veins in the pelvis in women go unnoticed, since the veins located deep in the pelvis are affected.Therefore, many women may not even suspect that they have this pathology.But there is still one main symptom that indicates the presence of a problem in almost all cases.And this symptom is pain, which is characterized by intensity and duration, and is usually observed before critical days or after great physical exertion.
Causes of the development of pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As mentioned earlier, the disease occurs mainly due to changes in hormonal levels.And women of childbearing age are the most susceptible to the development of this pathological process.Pregnant girls and women who work in difficult physical conditions are especially susceptible to pelvic varicose veins.In some cases, this type of varicose veins can develop during adolescence, which is also accompanied by changes in hormonal levels.
The most common cause of the disease is pregnancy.
But, unlike the course of the disease in adulthood, in this case the pathology is asymptomatic.And the only thing that makes it possible to suspect the presence of a problem is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.In other words, we can say that the main reasons for the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis are hormonal changes in the body and pregnancy.But there are also 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 tortuosity of the veins, in addition to weakness of the venous valves;
- difficult or multiple births.Various complications during the birth process or birth of a large fetus lead to interruption of blood flow in the veins of the small pelvis;
- pregnancy with several fetuses at the same time.This leads to an increased load on the body, especially on the pelvic vessels;
- some gynecological diseases;
- prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives;
- treatment with hormonal drugs;
- retroflexion of the uterus.
There are also the following factors that provoke the development of pelvic varicose veins:
- severe physical stress, such as constant heavy lifting;
- work standing or sitting;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunctions, such as lack of orgasms;
- frequent use of interrupted sexual intercourse.
But the most common cause of the development of pathology is still pregnancy.During this period of life, almost 30% of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Basically, symptoms of the disease begin to appear after 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Disease classification
Depending on the nature of the course, varicose veins of the small pelvis can have 2 forms:
- varicose veins of the perineum and external genitalia.If the disease progresses, varicose veins can spread to the inner surface of the thigh;
- pelvic venous congestion syndrome.
This classification is not very widespread in medicine, as both forms arise simultaneously as a consequence of each other.Dilated veins of the vulva are often seen in pregnant women and, in most cases, the pathology disappears spontaneously 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 diameter of no more than 5 mm, is located 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 generally seen in the total type of varicose veins located in the ovaries or uterus;
- third degree.The damaged vein exceeds 10 mm in diameter with total varicose veins or major location.
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, a suitable treatment method is selected.For the first and second degree of varicose veins of the small pelvis, the doctor usually prescribes conservative treatment, which consists of lifestyle changes, special exercises and taking medications.But the third stage of pathology can only be cured through surgery.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
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 the pathology is intense pain in the lower part of the abdomen, which appears for no apparent reason and can radiate to the lower back or perineum.Also, pain is often accompanied by unfounded mucous discharge from the vagina, which increases in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: intense, sharp pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
Additionally, if there are pelvic varicose veins, the symptoms may be as follows:
- sharp and intense 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 vulva region;
- the presence of prominent veins and spider veins in the perineum, characteristic of varicose veins;
- unpleasant sensations, discomfort during intimacy.
There may also be problems with pregnancy and disturbances in the urination process, for example, increased frequency.And in the case of such a form of the disease as varicose veins of the genital organs, bleeding and acute thrombophlebitis of the perineal veins may occur.Symptoms can be mild or pronounced, and one symptom or a whole complex of symptoms can be observed.This is what makes it difficult to diagnose such a phenomenon as varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women.
Consequences of varicose veins of the pelvis
This type of varicose veins is not an extremely dangerous disease.And timely diagnosis of pathology will allow you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of properly selected treatment.But it is generally very difficult to identify the disease in a timely manner, 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, which leads to infertility;
- neurasthenia as a result of pain syndrome;
- fear of intimacy due to constant pain during sexual intercourse;
- inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
- bladder diseases;
- uterine bleeding.
Varicose veins of the pelvis in women, without adequate treatment, continue to develop and spread to adjacent organs and parts of the body.And in 5% of cases there is the possibility of developing venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are fatal diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic varicose veins
Due to the generality of symptoms and the localization of the disease, varicose veins of the small pelvis are quite difficult to diagnose.And just 20 years ago, the correct diagnosis was made in just 2% of cases.Incorrect diagnosis of the problem sometimes even led to the removal of the uterus, which could have been avoided with the use of modern diagnostic equipment.Today, to make a correct diagnosis, a complete and complete examination is carried out with the participation of a gynecologist and a phlebologist.
A popular type of treatment for the disease is laparoscopy.
After an interview and thorough examination of the patient, the doctor prescribes the most accurate methods for diagnosing pelvic varicose veins today:
- laparoscopy;
- phlebography;
- Dopplerography of blood vessels;
- Ultrasound of the venous system;
- selective ovariography;
- computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging;
- Varigraphy.
The doctor may also prescribe additional tests, such as blood tests and x-rays, which can help more accurately assess the patient's condition.After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor selects the most appropriate treatment, the objective of which is:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- improving blood supply to tissues;
- elimination of symptoms;
- avoiding 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.Basic therapy for the disease includes:
- regular therapeutic exercises;
- special diet;
- contrast shower;
- wearing special underwear.
Also, if necessary, you should review your daily routine.If the cause of the development of varicose veins is physical stress due to the specific nature of the work, it is necessary to transfer to an easier job.Drug treatment for pelvic varicose veins consists of the use of the following medications:
- phlebotonics;
- enterosorbents;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectors;
- hormonal drugs.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only at an advanced stage of varicose veins, if conservative treatment is ineffective or it is impossible to eliminate the pain syndrome.Among other things, your doctor may recommend using herbal remedies that contain dandelion, horse chestnut, or chaga.