Small pelvic varicose veins are a common disease today, affecting many women between 25 and 40 years old.In contrast, the disease is called chronic pelvic pain syndrome or pelvic venous obstruction syndrome.The cause of this problem is blood flowing back through the ovarian veins, which occurs due to compression of the blood vessels.That is, varicose veins of the pelvic veins are a disease directly related to reduced elasticity of the vein walls.
Many doctors consider this pathology something strange and extremely rarely make such a diagnosis.This is explained by the fact that the pathology can manifest with many different symptoms and severe pain syndrome always prevails.Because of this, most experts confuse varicose veins of the pelvic organs with various hormonal or gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature.But a woman's quality of life and her chances of having children in the future depend on the timely diagnosis of small pelvic varicose veins.Why does this disease develop, what are the 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
The phenomenon of varicose veins in the ovaries and uterus has been known in medicine for a long time.This disease was first identified in the 80s and has not been fully researched until now.And every year, cases of this disease are becoming more and more common, as the lifestyle of most people has changed during this time.Nowadays, 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 the increased pressure of the uterus on the vessels of the small pelvis, which is often seen during pregnancy.
Blockage begins to occur in the pelvic vessels, causing 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 includes large vessels, which in turn are divided into smaller veins.Furthermore, the pelvic structure in women and men is somewhat different, which explains how this disease mainly occurs in women;
- Vascular compression occurs, as well as venous congestion, as a result of which the tone of the vessel walls changes and blood circulation from the deep veins of the pelvis is interrupted;
- Due to malfunction, the pelvic veins cannot perform their function properly.This leads to progressive venous valve insufficiency;
- Congestion begins to occur in the pelvic vessels, leading to the development of small pelvic varicose veins.
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, which are accompanied by protrusion of the veins of the lower limbs, 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 have this pathology.But still there is one main symptom that indicates the presence of the problem in most cases.And this symptom is pain, which is characterized by intensity and duration, and is often observed before critical days or after heavy physical exertion.
Causes of the development of pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As mentioned earlier, the disease mainly occurs due to changes in hormone levels.And women of childbearing age are the most susceptible to developing this pathological process.Pregnant girls and women working in difficult physical conditions are especially susceptible to pelvic varicose veins.In some cases, this type of varicose veins can develop during adolescence, 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 makes you suspect a problem is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.That is, we can say that the main reason for the development of varicose veins in the small pelvis is hormonal changes in the body and pregnancy.But there are also a number of other causes that lead to 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 birth or multiple births.Various complications during childbirth or the birth of a large fetus lead to interruption of blood flow in the veins of the small pelvis;
- Pregnant with multiple fetuses at the same time.This leads to an increase in the load 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 stimulate the development of pelvic varicose veins:
- severe physical stress, such as repeatedly lifting heavy objects;
- standing or sitting work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunction, such as lack of orgasm;
- Frequent use of interrupted intercourse.
But the most common cause of the development of pathology remains pregnancy.During this period of life, nearly 30% of women develop 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 process, small pelvic varicose veins can have 2 forms:
- Varicose veins of the perineum and external genitalia.If the disease progresses, varicose veins may spread to the inner thighs;
- pelvic venous obstruction syndrome.
This classification is not common in medicine, since both forms arise simultaneously as a consequence of each other.Vulvar varicose veins are often observed in pregnant women and in most cases the pathology resolves spontaneously 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.The damaged vein has a diameter of no more than 5 mm, is localized in any of the venous plexuses of the small pelvis and is characterized by spiral-shaped blood vessels;
- second level.The diameter of the veins can range from 6 to 10 mm and is commonly observed in all types of varicose veins, localized to the ovaries or uterus;
- third degree.Injured veins exceed 10 mm in diameter with generalized or primary focal venous dilatation.
Depending on the level of development of the disease, choose the appropriate treatment method.For first- and second-degree varicose veins of the small pelvis, doctors often prescribe conservative treatment, which includes lifestyle changes, special exercises and medication.But the third stage of pathology can only be cured with surgery.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
A disease such as pelvic varicose veins, whose symptoms are very diverse, are often disguised as other diseases of the reproductive system.The main sign of the disease is severe pain in the lower abdomen, which appears for unknown reasons and can spread to the lumbar region or perineum.In addition, the pain is often accompanied by unfounded mucus discharge from the vagina, which increases during the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: severe pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
In addition, if you have pelvic varicose veins, symptoms may be as follows:
- severe pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation;
- increased sensitivity of the perineum and vagina;
- irregular menstruation;
- feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area when standing for a long time;
- itching and discomfort in the vulvar area;
- the presence of bulging veins and spider veins in the perineum, characteristic of varicose veins;
- Feelings of discomfort and discomfort during intimacy.
There may also be problems with childbirth and disorders during urination, such as increased frequency.And in the case of such a form of disease as varicose veins in the genital organs, bleeding and acute thrombophlebitis in the perineal veins may occur.Symptoms may be mild or marked, and one symptom or a full set of symptoms may be observed.This is the reason why it is difficult to diagnose pelvic varicose veins in women.
Consequences of pelvic varicose veins
This type of varicose veins is not an extremely dangerous disease.And timely diagnosis of the pathology will allow you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of a properly selected treatment course.But it is often quite difficult to identify the disease in time and many women have to 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 due to pain syndrome;
- fear of intimacy due to constant pain during sex;
- inflammation of the uterus and adnexa;
- bladder disease;
- uterine bleeding.
If not treated properly, pelvic varicose veins in women will continue to develop and spread to neighboring organs and parts of the body.And in 5% of cases there is a risk of developing venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism, which are fatal diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic varicose veins
Due to the general nature of the symptoms and the location of the disease's symptoms, small pelvic varicose veins are quite difficult to diagnose.And just 20 years ago, the correct diagnosis was made in only 2% of cases.Misdiagnosis of the problem sometimes even leads to hysterectomy, which can be avoided by using modern diagnostic equipment.Today, to make an accurate diagnosis, a full comprehensive examination is performed with the participation of a gynecologist and phlebologist.
A common type of treatment for this disease is endoscopy.
After thoroughly examining and examining the patient, the doctor prescribes the most accurate methods of diagnosing pelvic varicose veins today:
- endoscopy;
- venography;
- Dopplerography of blood vessels;
- Ultrasound of the venous system;
- selective ovarian scan;
- computed tomography and MRI;
- Variant.
The doctor may also order additional tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, which can help more accurately evaluate the patient's condition.After an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment method, the goals are:
- normalizes vascular tone;
- improves blood supply to tissues;
- eliminate symptoms;
- Prevents the development of blockages and various complications.
The treatment of right pelvic varicose veins is comprehensive and may include medication and basic therapy, surgery as well as treatment with folk remedies.Basic therapy for the disease includes:
- regular therapeutic exercises;
- special diet;
- contrast bath;
- wear special underwear.
In addition, if necessary, you should review your daily habits.If the cause of varicose veins is physical stress due to the specific nature of your work, then you need to switch to lighter work.Pharmacological treatment of pelvic varicose veins includes the use of the following drugs:
- intravenous tonic;
- absorbent;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectant;
- Hormonal drugs.
Surgical intervention is indicated only in the advanced stages of varicose veins, if conservative treatment is ineffective or if the pain syndrome cannot be eliminated.Among other things, your doctor may recommend using herbal remedies containing dandelion, horse chestnut or chaga.