Varicose veins of the small pelvis are now a common disease that affects many women aged 25 to 40.Otherwise, the condition is called chronic pelvic pain syndrome or pelvic venous congestion syndrome.The cause of this problem is the reflux of blood into the ovarian vein, which results from compression of the vessels.In other words, venous dilatation of the pelvic veins is a disease directly linked to a decrease in the elasticity of the venous wall.
Many doctors consider this pathology something exotic and extremely rarely make such a diagnosis.This is explained by the fact that the pathology can manifest itself in various symptoms and 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.But it is precisely on the timely diagnosis of varicose veins of the small pelvis that the quality of life of a woman and the possibility of having 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 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 1980s and has not been fully studied to date.And every year cases of this pathology become more frequent, because the lifestyle of most people has 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 increasing pressure of the uterus on the vessels of the small pelvis, 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 is made up of large vessels, which are themselves divided into smaller veins.In addition, the structure of the pelvis in women and men is somewhat 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 dysfunction, the pelvic veins are not able to perform their functions properly.This leads to progression of venous valve insufficiency;
- congestion begins to occur in the pelvic vessels, which leads to the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, which are accompanied by protrusion of the veins of the lower extremities, varicose veins of 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 suffer from 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, characterized by its intensity and duration, and is usually observed before critical days or after intense physical exertion.
Causes of the development of pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As mentioned earlier, the disease mainly occurs due to changes in hormonal levels.And women of childbearing age are most susceptible to the development of this pathological process.Pregnant girls and women working in difficult physical conditions are particularly 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 progression of the disease in adulthood, the pathology is asymptomatic here.And the only thing that allows you to suspect the presence of a problem is an increase in the number of vaginal discharge.That is, 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, as well as weakness of the venous valves;
- difficult or multiple births.Various complications during childbirth or the birth of a large fetus lead to disruption of the flow of blood in the veins of the small pelvis;
- pregnancy with several fetuses at the same time.This leads to an increase in the load on the body, especially on the pelvic vessels;
- certain 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 of the pelvis:
- severe physical stress, such as constant lifting of heavy objects;
- standing or sitting work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunctions, such as lack of orgasms;
- frequent resort to interrupted sexual intercourse.
But the most common cause of the development of the pathology remains 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 gestation.
Disease classification
Depending on the nature of the development, varicose veins of the small pelvis can be of 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 widespread in medicine, since these two forms occur simultaneously as a consequence of each other.Dilated veins of the vulva are observed quite often 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, there are 3 degrees:
- first degree.The damaged vein reaches a diameter of no more than 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 range from 6 to 10 mm and is usually observed with the total type of varicose veins, localized in the ovaries or uterus;
- third degree.The injured vein exceeds 10 mm in diameter with total varicose veins or a main location.
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, an appropriate treatment method is selected.For the first and second degrees of varicose veins of the small pelvis, the doctor usually prescribes conservative treatment, which consists of lifestyle changes, special exercises and the use of medications.But the third stage of pathology can only be cured by 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 pathology is severe pain in the lower abdomen, which appears for no apparent reason and can radiate to the lumbar region or perineum.Also, the pain is usually accompanied by groundless mucous discharge from the vagina, which increases during the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: sharp, intense pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
Additionally, if pelvic varicose veins exist, symptoms may include:
- sharp, severe pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation;
- increased sensitivity of the perineum and vagina;
- menstrual irregularities;
- a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis when standing for prolonged periods;
- 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 childbearing 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 genitals, bleeding and acute thrombophlebitis of the perineal veins may occur.Symptoms may be mild or severe, and a single symptom or a whole set of symptoms may 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 a timely diagnosis of pathology will allow you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of correctly selected treatment.But it is usually quite difficult to identify 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 resulting from 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 proper treatment, continue to grow and spread to adjacent organs and body parts.And in 5% of cases, there is a risk of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are fatal diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic varicose veins
Due to the generality of the symptoms and the localization of the symptoms 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 only 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 the correct diagnosis, a comprehensive and comprehensive examination is carried out with the participation of a gynecologist and phlebologist.
Laparoscopy is a popular type of treatment for the disease.
After a thorough interview and examination of the patient, the doctor today prescribes the most accurate methods for diagnosing pelvic varicose veins:
- laparoscopy;
- phlebography;
- Dopplerography of blood vessels;
- Ultrasound of the venous system;
- selective oovariography;
- CT and MRI;
- Varigraphy.
The doctor may also order additional tests, such as blood tests and x-rays, which can help more accurately assess the patient's condition.After making a precise diagnosis, the doctor selects the most appropriate treatment, the aim of which is:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- improve 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 include drug and basic treatment, surgical intervention, as well as treatment with folk remedies.Basic treatment of the disease includes:
- regular therapeutic exercises;
- 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 specific nature of the work, you need to switch to easier work.Drug treatment of pelvic varicose veins consists of the use of the following drugs:
- phlebotonics;
- enterosorbents;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectors;
- hormonal medications.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only in the advanced stage of varicose veins, if conservative treatment is ineffective or it is impossible to eliminate the pain syndrome.Among other things, the doctor may recommend the use of medicinal plants containing dandelion, horse chestnut or chaga.