Small pelvic varicose veins are a common disease today that affects many women aged 25 to 40 years.Otherwise, this 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 veins, which occurs due to the compression of the vessels.That is, venous dilatation of the pelvic veins is a disease directly related to a decrease in the elasticity of the venous wall.
Many doctors consider this pathology as something exotic and make such a diagnosis very rarely.This is explained by the fact that pathology can manifest itself with various symptoms and severe pain syndrome always dominates.Because of this, most experts consider varicose veins of the pelvic organs to be various hormonal or gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature.But on the timely diagnosis of small pelvic varicose veins, the quality of life of a woman and the chances of having children in the future depend.Why does this disease develop, what are the obvious symptoms and how to treat pelvic varicose veins?We will talk about all this in this article.
Features of the development of pelvic varicose veins
Phenomena such as ovarian and uterine varicose veins have been known in medicine for a long time.This disease was first identified in the 80s and has not been fully studied until today.And every year, cases of this pathology become more common, because the lifestyle of most people has changed at this time.Today, most people have sedentary jobs and lead unhealthy lifestyles.The mechanism for the development of small pelvic varicose veins is triggered by various hormonal changes, as well as increased uterine pressure on the small pelvic vessels, which is usually observed during pregnancy.
Congestion begins to occur in the pelvic canal, 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.Moreover, the structure of the pelvis in women and men is quite different, which explains the occurrence of this disease mainly in women;
- compression of blood vessels occurs, as well as blockage of veins, as a result of which the tone of the vascular walls changes, and the process of blood flow from the veins in the pelvis is disturbed;
- due to damage, the pelvic veins cannot function properly.This leads to the development of venous valve deficiency;
- congestion begins to occur in the pelvic canal, which leads to the development of small pelvic varicose veins.
Unlike varicose veins in the legs, which are accompanied by the protrusion of the veins in the lower part of the legs, pelvic varicose veins in women are not noticed, because the veins located deep in the pelvis are affected.Therefore, many women may not suspect that they have this pathology.But there are still major symptoms that indicate 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 a critical day or after heavy physical exercise.
Causes of the development of pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As mentioned earlier, this disease occurs mainly due to changes in hormone levels.And women of childbearing age are the most susceptible to the development of this pathological process.Girls and pregnant women who work in difficult physical conditions are especially prone to pelvic varicose veins.In some cases, this type of varicose veins can develop during adolescence, which is also accompanied by changes in hormone 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 allows you to suspect the presence of a problem is an increase in the amount of whiteness.That is, we can say that the main reason for the development of small pelvic varicose veins is hormonal changes in the body and pregnancy.But there are also several 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 veins, as well as weakness of 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 small pelvic veins;
- pregnancy with multiple fetuses at the same time.This leads to increased load on the body, especially on the pelvic canal;
- some gynecological diseases;
- long-term use of hormonal contraceptives;
- treatment with hormonal drugs;
- retroflexion of the uterus.
There are also the following factors that trigger the development of pelvic varicose veins:
- severe physical stress, such as constant heavy lifting;
- work standing or sitting;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunction, such as lack of orgasm;
- frequent use of disrupted intimate relationships.
But the most common cause of pathological development is still pregnancy.During this period of life, almost 30% of women experience chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Basically, symptoms of the disease begin to appear after 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Classification of diseases
Depending on the nature of the course, small pelvic varicose veins can be of 2 forms:
- varicose veins of the perineum and external genitalia.If the disease continues, varicose veins can spread to the inner surface of the thigh;
- venous pelvic congestion syndrome.
This classification is not widespread in medicine, because these two forms arise simultaneously as a result of each other.Varicose veins of the vulva are quite 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 vein and the location of the pathology, 3 degrees are distinguished:
- first degree.Damaged veins reach a diameter of no more than 5 mm, localized in any small pelvic venous plexus and characterized by corkscrew-shaped blood vessels;
- second degree.The diameter of the vein can be from 6 to 10 mm and is usually observed with the total type of varicose veins, localized in the ovary or uterus;
- third degree.Damaged veins exceeding 10 mm in diameter with total varicose veins or primary localization.
Depending on the stage of development of the disease, the appropriate treatment method is selected.For the first and second stage of small pelvic varicose veins, doctors usually prescribe conservative treatment, which consists of lifestyle changes, special exercises and the use of medications.But the third stage of the pathology can only be cured by surgery.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
Diseases such as pelvic varicose veins, the symptoms of which are diverse, often masquerade as other diseases of the reproductive system.The main symptom of pathology is severe pain in the lower abdomen, which appears for no apparent reason and can radiate to the lumbar or perineal area.Also, the pain is usually accompanied by the discharge of mucus without a base from the vagina, which increases in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: severe sharp pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
Also, if there are pelvic varicose veins, symptoms may be as follows:
- severe sharp pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation;
- increased sensitivity of the perineum and vagina;
- menstrual disorders;
- heaviness in the pelvis when standing for a long time;
- itching and discomfort in the vulva 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 disturbances in the process of urination, for example, increased frequency.And in the case of forms of the disease such as varicose veins of the genital organs, bleeding and acute thrombophlebitis from the perineal veins may occur.Symptoms can be either mild or pronounced, and either a single symptom or an entire symptom complex can be observed.This is what makes it difficult to diagnose a phenomenon such as varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women.
As a result of pelvic varicose veins
This type of varicose veins is not a very dangerous disease.And the timely diagnosis of pathology will allow you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of a correctly selected course of treatment.But it is usually quite difficult to identify this disease in time, and many women live with this problem without knowing it.And when the disease progresses, the following serious complications begin to develop in the body:
- dysfunction of the reproductive system, which leads to infertility;
- neurasthenia due to pain syndrome;
- fear of intimacy due to constant pain during sexual intercourse;
- inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
- bladder disease;
- uterine bleeding.
Pelvic varicose veins in women, without proper treatment, continue to grow and spread to adjacent organs and parts of the body.And in 5% of cases there is a chance to develop venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which is a fatal disease.
Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic varicose veins
Due to the wide range of symptoms and the location of the symptoms of the disease, small pelvic varicose veins are quite difficult to diagnose.And just 20 years ago, the correct diagnosis was made only in 2% of cases.Misdiagnosis of the problem sometimes leads to the removal of the uterus, which can be avoided with the use of modern diagnostic equipment.Today, to make the correct diagnosis, a full comprehensive examination is carried out with the participation of gynecologists and phlebologists.
A popular type of treatment for this disease is laparoscopy.
After a thorough interview and examination of the patient, the doctor prescribes the most accurate method for diagnosing pelvic varicose veins today:
- laparoscopy;
- phlebography;
- Dopplerography of blood vessels;
- Ultrasound of the venous system;
- selective ovariography;
- computed tomography and MRI;
- Variography.
The doctor can also prescribe additional tests, such as blood tests and x-rays, which can help assess the patient's condition more accurately.After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor chooses the most appropriate treatment, the purpose of which is:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- increase blood supply to tissues;
- elimination of symptoms;
- prevent 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 this disease includes:
- regular therapeutic exercise;
- special diet;
- contrast shower;
- wear 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 nature of certain work, you need to transfer to an easier job.Drug treatment of pelvic varicose veins consists of the use of the following drugs:
- phlebotonics;
- enterosorbent;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectors;
- hormonal drugs.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only in advanced stages of varicose veins, if conservative treatment is ineffective or if it is impossible to eliminate the pain syndrome.Among other things, the doctor may recommend the use of herbal remedies containing dandelion, horse chestnut or chaga.