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 return of blood to the ovarian vein, which occurs as a result of compression of the blood vessels.That is, venous dilatation of the pelvic veins is a disease directly related to the decrease in the elasticity of the vein wall.
Many doctors consider this pathology as something exotic and make such a diagnosis extremely rarely.This is explained by the fact that the pathology can appear with different symptoms and a strong 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 it is precisely the timely diagnosis of varicose veins of the small pelvis that depends on the quality of life of a woman and the possibility of having children in the future.Why does this disease develop, what symptoms are manifested and how are pelvic varicose veins treated?We will talk about all this in this article.
Characteristics of the development of varicose veins of the pelvis
A phenomenon such as ovarian and uterine varicose veins has been known in medicine for a long time.This disease was first identified in the 80s and has not been fully studied to date.And every year the cases of this pathology are becoming more frequent, as the lifestyle of most people has changed during this time.Today, most people have sedentary jobs and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.The mechanism of the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis is triggered by various hormonal changes, as well as by the increasing pressure of the uterus on the vessels of the small pelvis, which is usually observed during pregnancy.
Blockage begins to appear in the vessels of the pelvis, 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 divide into smaller veins.Moreover, 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 walls of blood vessels changes, and the process of blood flow from the deep veins of the pelvis is interrupted;
- due to dysfunction, the pelvic veins are unable to perform their functions properly.This leads to the progression of venous valve insufficiency;
- blockage begins to occur in the vessels of the pelvis, which leads to the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis.
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, which are associated with the extension of the veins in the lower extremities, pelvic varicose veins in women go unnoticed, since the veins located deep in the pelvis are affected.Therefore, many women may not 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 heavy 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 associated with 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 allows you to suspect the presence of a problem is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.This means, 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 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 the thinning and rotation of the veins, as well as the weakening of the venous valves;
- difficult or multiple births.Various complications during the birth process or the 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 increase in the load on the body, especially on 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 provoke the development of pelvic varicose veins:
- severe physical stress, such as constant lifting of weights;
- work standing or sitting;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunctions, such as lack of orgasms;
- frequent use of interrupted relationships.
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, the symptoms of the disease begin to appear after 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Classification of the disease
Depending on the nature of the course, 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 both of these forms arise simultaneously as a consequence of each other.Varicose veins of the vulva are observed quite often in pregnant women, and in most cases the pathology goes away by itself after birth, 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 each venous plexus of the small pelvis and is characterized by a cork-shaped flow of 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 in the uterus;
- third degree.The damaged vein exceeds 10 mm in diameter with total varicose veins or main localization.
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, an appropriate 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 the use of medications.But the third stage of the pathology can be cured only through surgery.
Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins
A disease like pelvic varices, the symptoms of which are different, is often disguised as other diseases of the reproductive system.The main symptom of the 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 unfounded mucous discharge from the vagina, which increases in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: sharp sharp pains in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
Also, if there are varicose veins of the pelvis, the symptoms can be as follows:
- sharp sharp pains 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 a long time;
- itching and discomfort in the vulva area;
- the presence of swollen veins and spider veins in the perineum, characteristic of varicose veins;
- unpleasant sensations, discomfort during intimacy.
There may also be problems with childbirth 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 can be either mild or severe, and either one symptom or a whole symptom complex 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 pelvic varicose veins
This type of varicose veins is not an extremely dangerous disease.And the timely diagnosis of the pathology will allow you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of a properly selected course of treatment.But it is usually quite difficult to identify the disease at the right 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, which leads to infertility;
- neurasthenia as a result of pain syndrome;
- fear of intimacy due to constant pain during intercourse;
- inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
- bladder diseases;
- uterine bleeding.
Varicose veins of the pelvis in women, without proper treatment, continue to develop and spread to neighboring organs and parts of the body.And in 5% of cases there is a possibility of developing 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 location of the symptoms of the disease, varicose veins of the small pelvis are quite difficult to diagnose.And only 20 years ago, the correct diagnosis was made in only 2% of cases.Misdiagnosis of the problem sometimes led to hysterectomy, which could have been avoided with the use of modern diagnostic equipment.Today, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, a complete comprehensive examination is carried out with the participation of a gynecologist and a phlebologist.
A popular type of treatment for the disease is laparoscopy.
After a thorough interview and 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 MRI;
- Varigraph.
The doctor can also prescribe additional tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, which can help to more accurately assess the patient's condition.After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor chooses the most appropriate treatment, the purpose of which is:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- improvement of blood supply to tissues;
- elimination of symptoms;
- preventing 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 work, you should switch to lighter work.Medical treatment of varicose veins of the pelvis consists of the use of the following medications:
- phlebotonics;
- enterosorbents;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectors;
- hormonal drugs.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only in an advanced stage 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.