Pelvic varicose veins are a common disease today, affecting 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 backflow of blood through the ovarian vein, which occurs as a result of compression of the blood vessels.That is, venous distension of the pelvic veins is a disease that is directly related to a decrease in the elasticity of the vein wall.
Many doctors consider this pathology something exotic and make such a diagnosis extremely rarely.This can be explained by the fact that the pathology can manifest itself with various symptoms, and a severe pain syndrome always dominates.For this reason, 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 the possibility of having children in the future depend precisely on the timely diagnosis of pelvic varicose veins.Why does this disease develop, what are the symptoms, and how should pelvic varicosities be treated?We will talk about all this in this article.
Characteristics of the development of varicose veins of the pelvis
Such a phenomenon as ovarian and uterine varicosities has long been known in medicine.This disease was first identified in the 80s and has not been fully investigated to this day.And every year, cases of this pathology are becoming more common, since the lifestyle of most people has changed during this time.Most people these days are sedentary and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.The mechanism of the formation of pelvic varicose veins is triggered by various hormonal changes, as well as the increasing pressure of the uterus on the vessels of the pelvis, which is usually observed during pregnancy.
Congestion begins to develop 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.In addition, the structure of the pelvis in women and men is somewhat different, which explains the occurrence of the disease mainly in women;
- compression of the blood vessels and occlusion of the veins occur, as a result of which the tone of the vessel walls changes and the process of blood flow from the deep veins of the pelvis is interrupted;
- due to malfunctioning, the pelvic veins cannot perform their functions properly.This leads to the progression of venous valvular insufficiency;
- congestion begins to form in the pelvic vessels, leading to the formation of pelvic varicose veins.
Unlike varicose veins of the legs, which are accompanied by the protrusion of the veins of the lower limbs, pelvic varicose veins are not noticed in women, since the veins located deep in the pelvis are affected.Therefore, many women do not even suspect that this is a pathology.But there is still one main symptom that almost always indicates the presence of a problem.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 pelvic venous congestion syndrome
As mentioned earlier, the disease occurs primarily 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 who work in difficult physical conditions are especially sensitive to pelvic varicose veins.In some cases, this type of varicose veins can also develop during adolescence, which is accompanied by changes in hormone levels.
The most common cause of the disease is pregnancy.
But unlike the adult course of the disease, in this case the pathology is asymptomatic.And the only thing that makes it possible to suspect the presence of a problem is an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.In other words, we can say that the main causes of pelvic varicose veins 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 the thinning and tortuosity of the veins and the 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 outflow 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.
The following factors also provoke the development of varicose veins of the pelvis:
- 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 pathology is still pregnancy.During this period of life, nearly 30% of women suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Basically, the symptoms of the disease start to appear after 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Classification of the disease
Depending on the nature of the flow, there are two forms of varicose veins of the small pelvis:
- 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 arise simultaneously as a consequence of each other.Varicose veins of the vulva are often observed in pregnant women, and in most cases the pathology goes away by itself 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 diameter of the damaged vein does not exceed 5 mm, it is localized in any venous plexus of the small pelvis, and it is characterized by corkscrew-shaped blood vessels;
- second degree.The diameter of the vein can be 6-10 mm and is usually observed in all types of varicose veins localized in the ovary or uterus;
- tertiary.The diameter of the damaged vein exceeds 10 mm with a complete varicose or main localization.
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, an appropriate treatment method is selected.For first- and second-degree varicose veins of the 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 only be cured by surgery.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the pelvis
Diseases such as pelvic varicosities, the symptoms of which are varied, are 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.In addition, the pain is usually accompanied by unfounded mucous discharge from the vagina, which increases in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms: strong, sharp pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation.
Also, if there are pelvic varicosities, symptoms may include:
- severe, sharp pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation;
- increased sensitivity of the perineum and vagina;
- menstrual disorders;
- feeling heavy in the pool 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;
- discomfort, discomfort during intimacy.
There can also be problems with childbearing and disturbances in the urination process, such as increased frequency.And with 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 mild or severe, and either one symptom or a whole set of symptoms 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 varicose veins of the pelvis
Varicose veins of this type are not an extremely dangerous disease.And the timely diagnosis of the pathology allows you to quickly get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon with the help of a properly selected method of treatment.But it is usually quite difficult to identify the disease in time, and many women live with this problem without 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 due to pain syndrome;
- fear of intimacy due to constant pain during sexual intercourse;
- inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
- bladder diseases;
- uterine bleeding.
Without proper treatment, pelvic varicose veins in women continue to develop and spread to neighboring organs and body parts.And in 5% of cases, there is a chance of developing venous thrombosis 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 symptoms, pelvic varicose veins are quite difficult to diagnose.And just 20 years ago, only 2% of cases were correctly diagnosed.In some cases, the incorrect diagnosis of the problem even led to the removal of the uterus, which could have been avoided with modern diagnostic tools.Today, in order to establish the correct diagnosis, a full comprehensive examination is carried out with the participation of a gynecologist and a phlebologist.
A popular method of treating the disease is laparoscopy.
After a thorough interview and examination of the patient, the doctor prescribes the most accurate methods for diagnosing pelvic varicosities:
- laparoscopy;
- phlebography;
- Dopplerography of blood vessels;
- Ultrasound of the venous system;
- selective ovariography;
- 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 establishing an accurate diagnosis, the doctor selects the most appropriate treatment, which aims to:
- normalization of vascular tone;
- improving tissue blood supply;
- 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, and treatment with folk remedies.The basic therapy of the disease includes the following:
- regular therapeutic exercises;
- special diet;
- contrast shower;
- wearing special underwear.
If necessary, you should also revise your daily routine.If the cause of varicose veins is physical stress resulting from the specifics of work, you should switch to a lighter job.Medical treatment of pelvic varicose veins consists of the use of the following drugs:
- phlebotonics;
- enterosorbents;
- antioxidants;
- phleboprotectors;
- hormonal drugs.
Surgical intervention is prescribed only in the advanced stage of varicose veins, if conservative treatment is ineffective or if it is impossible to eliminate the pain syndrome.The doctor may recommend the use of herbs that contain dandelion, horse chestnut or chaga, among others.