Varicose veins of the small pelvis is a common disease today that affects many women between the ages of 25 and 40.Otherwise, the condition is called chronic pelvic pain syndrome or pelvic venous congestion syndrome.The cause of this problem is the reverse flow of blood through the ovarian vein, which occurs as a result of compression of the vessels.This means that 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 something exotic and make such a diagnosis extremely rarely.This is explained by the fact that the pathology can manifest itself with various symptoms, and severe pain syndrome always prevails.Therefore, most experts mistakenly take varicose veins of the pelvic organs for 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 is manifested 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
Such a phenomenon as varicose veins of the ovaries and uterus has been known to medicine for a long time.This disease was first identified in the 1980s and has not been fully studied to this day.And every year, the cases of this pathology are becoming more frequent, since the lifestyle of most people has changed during this time.Today, most people have sedentary jobs and lead unhealthy lifestyles.The mechanism for the development of varicose veins of the small pelvis is triggered by various hormonal changes, as well as the increasing pressure of the uterus on the vessels of the small pelvis, which is usually observed during pregnancy.
Congestion begins to appear in the pelvic vessels, which provokes the development of the disease.
The pathology development algorithm 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.In addition, the structure of the pelvis in women and men is slightly different, which explains the appearance of this disease mainly in women;
- compression of the blood vessels occurs, as well as blockage of the 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 disturbed;
- due to malfunction, the pelvic veins cannot perform their functions properly.This leads to progression of venous valve insufficiency;
- congestion begins to appear 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 bulging of the veins of the lower extremities, varicose veins of the pelvis in women remain unnoticed, since 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 a main symptom that indicates the presence of a problem in almost all cases.And this symptom is pain that is characterized by intensity and duration and is usually observed before critical days or after heavy physical exertion.
Causes of pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As mentioned earlier, the disease occurs mainly 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 under difficult physical conditions are especially susceptible to varicose veins of the small pelvis.In some cases, this type of varicose veins can develop in 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 allows you to suspect the presence of a problem is the increase in the amount 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 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 distortion of the veins, as well as weakness of the venous valves;
- difficult or multiple births.Various complications during the birth process or the birth of a large fetus lead to disruption of blood flow in the veins of the small pelvis;
- pregnancy with multiple 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 heavy lifting;
- standing or sitting work;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- increased estrogen levels;
- sexual dysfunctions, such as lack of orgasm;
- frequent use of interrupted intercourse.
But the most common reason for the development of the pathology is still pregnancy.During this period of life, almost 30% of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome.In general, the symptoms of the disease begin to appear after the 8th week of gestation.
Classification of the disease
Depending on the nature of the course, varicose veins of the small pelvis can be in 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;
- venous pelvic stasis syndrome.
This classification is not widespread in medicine, since both forms occur simultaneously as a consequence 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 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 corkscrew of blood vessels;
- second degree.The diameter of the vein can be from 6 to 10 mm and is usually seen in the general 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 localization.
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, an appropriate method of treatment is selected.In 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 drugs.But the third stage of the pathology can be cured only by surgery.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the small pelvis
A disease such as varicose veins of the pelvis, the symptoms of which are diverse, is often masked under 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.In addition, the pain is usually accompanied by an unreasonable mucous discharge 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.
In addition, if there are pelvic varicose veins, the symptoms may be as follows:
- severe sharp 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 during prolonged standing;
- itching and discomfort in the vulva;
- the presence of bulging veins and cobwebs on 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 genital organs, bleeding and acute thrombophlebitis of the perineal veins may occur.Symptoms can be both mild and severe, and both a single symptom and a whole complex of symptoms can be observed.This makes it difficult to diagnose such a phenomenon as varicose veins of the pelvic organs in women.
Consequences of varicose veins of the small pelvis
This type of varicose veins is not a particularly 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 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, 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 chance of developing venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are fatal diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins of the small pelvis
Due to the general 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 even led to removal of the uterus, which could have been avoided with the help of modern diagnostic equipment.Today, in order to make a correct 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 variography;
- computed tomography and MRI;
- Variography.
The doctor may also order 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 goal of which is:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- improvement of tissue blood supply;
- eliminate symptoms;
- preventing the development of traffic jams and various complications.
Treatment of varicose veins of the pelvic veins should be comprehensive and may include drug and basic therapy, surgery, as well as treatment with folk remedies.The main therapy of the disease includes:
- regular therapeutic exercises;
- special diet;
- contrast shower;
- wearing special underwear.
In addition, if necessary, you should revise your daily routine.If the reason for the development of varicose veins is physical stress due to the specifics of the work, you should switch to an easier job.Medical treatment of pelvic varicose veins consists in the use of the following drugs:
- 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 that contain dandelion, horse chestnut or chaga.