pelvic varicose veins

Venous disease is a common phenomenon in women. Gender is determined by hormonal changes, lifestyle characteristics, body functions and other factors. Veins can be damaged by external and internal factors. This can lead to stretching of blood vessels, thinning of vessel walls, plaque formation, valve dysfunction, blood thickening and other negative consequences. Female pelvic varicose veins are a type of venous pathology. It is characterized by discomfort, pain, heaviness, squeezing, and sometimes even reproductive system dysfunction.

What are minor pelvic varicose veins?

venous aneurysmIt is a pathology characterized by changes in the normal state of the body's blood vessels and veins. ICD-10 does not have a separate classification. Venous disease is designated by codes I80-I89. A separate classification includes varicose veins of the lower extremities (I83. 9), which are often combined with varicose veins of the small pelvis in women.With small pelvic varicose veins, the walls of the blood vessels become thinner and the blood vessels dilate and stretch. In this state, blood stagnates. Due to the decreased tone, the blood vessels are unable to function and pump blood fully, thus forming special nodules in them, often called varicose veins.In recent years, the disease has been affecting younger people. If in the past small pelvic varicose veins mainly affected older women, now this pathological phenomenon appears more and more in younger patients. According to statistics, up to 20% of women of childbearing age suffer from varicose veins to varying degrees. Pelvic varicose veins (PVVD) are often associated with other pathological processes, which seriously complicates the diagnostic process.Varicose veins affect the function of pelvic organs. May be associated with severe symptoms or no clinical manifestations. In difficult situations, it can become a cause of complications. Treatment for varicose veins is chosen individually and does not always achieve the desired results.

Classification of small pelvic varicose veins

Pelvic varicose veins occur differently in different women. Some patients complain of severe symptoms, while others have almost no pathological manifestations. For some people, even serious treatment cannot completely rid them of the condition, while others can easily cope with the disease through lifestyle changes. In gynecology, the classification of small pelvic varicose veins is adopted, which allows to accurately characterize the development of the pathology.

Small pelvic varicose veins

The formation of varicose veins in the female pelvis is accompanied by a decrease in the tone, weakening, elasticity and dilatation of the walls of blood vessels - an enlargement of the lumen in a limited area of the veins.Pelvic varicose veins come in two forms:

• Vaginal and external genital (perineal) varicose veins- Characterized by structural changes in the large ductus venosus affecting the external genital veins. The cause is usually a long pregnancy, during which the enlarging uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and iliac veins.
• venous congestion syndrome- Characterized by the dilation and stretching of the veins in the small pelvis and the backflow of blood through them. The causes of this reflux can vary.

Stages of minor pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins of the pelvic organs can occur in three stages. As the disease progresses, one phase replaces another. The stages of the disease vary depending on the severity of symptoms and severity of the disease.

• The first stageIt is characterized by dilated veins up to 5 mm in diameter. Blood vessel tone is reduced and the network takes on a tortuous appearance.
• second stageIt is characterized by decreased elasticity of the pelvic vascular bed. The dilated veins are 6 to 10 mm in diameter. The parametrial vessels and ovarian plexus are affected.
• The third phaseIt is characterized by complete damage to vascular fibers. Expanded diameter exceeds 10 mm. Against the background of progressive varicose veins, women may develop complications.

development nature

Depending on the nature of occurrence and development, small pelvic varicose veins are divided into:

• Primary varicose veins in female pelvic veinsIt develops in the context of acquired or congenital valvular pathology. Doctors usually talk about venous valvular insufficiency, with the appearance of tortuosity and overstretching of blood vessels. Typically, primary varicose veins are caused by increased physical activity, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and the use of hormonal medications.
• Female pelvic vein secondary varicose veinsis formed in the context of past illness. Infectious diseases, tumors, pelvic endometriosis, and developmental abnormalities of the pelvic organs can all affect the tone of the veins.

Causes of small pelvic varicose veins

The causes of venous lesions of the pelvic organs are as follows:

• genetics. Often, venous disease in women is hereditary. If a mother, grandmother or aunt in the family has varicose veins, the disease is likely to affect the next generation of women.
• Pelvic organ connective tissue dysplasia. It is a congenital anomaly characterized by reduced collagen production and decreased tone of the blood vessel pattern.
• Pregnant. During pregnancy, the load on muscles and blood vessels increases significantly. The growing uterus puts pressure on adjacent tissues and adjacent veins. Women with polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, large fetuses, and other conditions may develop varicose veins.
• Overweight. Obesity in women increases pressure on pelvic organs. Not only can this lead to varicose veins, but it can also lead to other health problems.
• reduced physical activity. The human body requires regular physical activity. We're not talking about a grueling workout. Conversely, excessive physical activity can be an independent cause of small pelvic varicose veins. A sedentary lifestyle disrupts blood flow in the pelvis and a stagnation process occurs.
• hormone imbalance. The entire female body works entirely under the influence of hormonal levels. Hormonal changes and taking hormonal medications may cause a decrease in vascular tone.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are often accompanied by varicose veins of the small pelvis. If a woman has tortuous blood vessels in her legs, she must undergo a pelvic vascular examination and receive treatment if necessary.

risk factors

Women's risk of developing small pelvic varicose veins is increased by:

• bad habits;
• Overeating;
• Gastrointestinal disruption and tendency to constipation;
• Lack of intimacy;
• difficulty conceiving;
• surgical intervention;
• Pelvic organ damage;
• hormonal treatment;
• Vigorous physical activity.

Symptoms of pelvic varicose veins

Many women have no symptoms of pelvic varicose veins. The disease can exist for a long time without clinical manifestations. At the same time, this pathology is insidious, progressing unknowingly and causing serious health problems.Symptoms of small pelvic varicose veins in women may be similar to other gynecological pathologies. Therefore, when choosing a treatment strategy, it is necessary to perform a differential diagnosis and exclude other diseases of the pelvic organs.General symptoms of small pelvic varicose veins:

• lower abdominal pain;
• Breakthrough abnormal uterine bleeding;
• Discharge not related to the menstrual cycle;
• Feeling of swelling and foreign body in the pelvis;
• Low back pain in sacrum, lower back, legs, perineum;
• Bright PMS;
• Severe pain during menstrual bleeding;
• Discomfort and pain during intimacy;
• Frequent urination;
• Digestive tract dysfunction.

A characteristic feature of female pelvic varicose veins is the formation of tortuous blue veins in the external genital area and vagina.

Diagnosis of pelvic varicose veins

A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on the patient's chief complaint and clinical examination. Visually, varicose veins look like cyanotic nodules and dilated blood vessels. Since pathological signs are often confused with other gynecological diseases, in order to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to diagnose:

• Visual inspection of external genitalia;
• Check the vagina and cervix with a speculum;
• Palpation and diagnosis of valve function in the inguinal region;
• Ultrasound examination of pelvic organs;
• Doppler studies;
• CT scan;
• magnetic tomography;
• hysteroscopy;
• Laparoscopy.

Treatment of small pelvic varicose veins

Treatment of pelvic varicose veins in women can be surgical, conservative or complex. The treatment method is selected individually based on factors such as clinical manifestations, stage of varicose veins, causes of venous pathology, etc. The main goals of treatment are to reduce disease symptoms and improve quality of life.

Medical treatment of small pelvic varicose veins

For small pelvic varicose veins, doctors will choose an individualized drug treatment plan. The following drugs are traditionally prescribed:

• intravenous refills. Modern pharmacology offers many types of intravenous agents. The main task of the drug is to increase the elasticity of blood vessels, normalize blood flow, and stabilize the function of the valves. These medications can be taken internally or in ointment form.
• anticoagulant. These medications are used to treat thickening of the blood caused by pelvic varicose veins. This parameter is determined by laboratory testing. Blood thinners prevent blood clots from forming and reduce blood thickness.
• NSAIDs. Medications are used to treat severe pain and as an additional treatment for the inflammatory process. In general, NSAIDs have symptomatic effects. They can relieve the symptoms of small pelvic varicose veins, but they do not completely solve the problem.
• Vitamin complexes and trace elements. Since most people are nutrient deficient and do not get enough nutrients from food, supplementing their vitamin intake is recommended. For varicose veins, it is recommended to take vitamins B, C, and D.

Surgery

If medical treatment is unsuccessful, it is recommended to consider the possibility of surgical treatment of pelvic varicose veins. This procedure is also suitable for severe varicose veins.The modern approach to treatment of dilated veins is endovascular embolization of gonadal vessels. The surgery is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. The procedure involves using a catheter to insert a coil into the dilated vein to block the catheter. As a result, blood flow to the pathological area completely stops. It should be noted that this operation is safe in terms of damage to the circulatory system. Since dilated veins are pathological in themselves and can no longer function normally, it is recommended to exclude them from the systemic circulation. Refusal to treat is accompanied by an increased risk of blood clots forming in blood vessels.

Endovascular embolization can resolve 95% of minor pelvic varicose veins. Going forward, women are advised to engage in lifelong prevention of vascular disease.

General advice for women with pelvic varicose veins

Doctors recommend that women wear compression garments during any stage of varicose vein treatment and after corrective techniques are completed. After surgery, the period of use of the jersey is determined individually. Typically, stockings are worn around the clock for the first few days after surgery. Henceforth, relief of compression during sleep is allowed.Women with pelvic varicose veins are not advised to engage in strenuous exercise or weight bearing. Baths, saunas and hot baths should be avoided entirely. Heat therapy can worsen the progression of varicose veins.With varicose veins, special attention should be paid to weight. Being overweight can be an irritant to varicose veins. Therefore, weight stabilization and an active lifestyle are important.

Why are pelvic varicose veins dangerous for women?

Complications of varicose veins:

• Thromboembolism;
• Thrombophlebitis;
• Venous thrombosis;
• hemorrhoid;
• hormonal imbalance;
• abnormal uterine bleeding;
• chronic pelvic pain;
• Infertility.

Pregnancy and minor pelvic varicose veins

Varicose veins are not usually a cause of infertility. Vein dilation may increase risk factors for women planning pregnancy. It's impossible to tell immediately how an expectant mother's body will behave. The uterus is the main organ of the unborn baby. If blood flow to the reproductive organs is impaired or blood circulation to the placenta is blocked, the risk of miscarriage or the development of various intrauterine diseases is high.

Prevent small pelvic varicose veins

There is no specific way to prevent varicose veins in the small pelvis. Every woman is at risk of developing varicose veins. Therefore, everyone needs to follow simple rules:

• healthy lifestyle;
• good nutrition;
• Prevent obesity;
• Say no to bad habits;
• moderate physical activity;
• drink enough fluids;
• Refuse to wear high heels for long periods of time;
• Proper pregnancy planning and prevention of pregnancy complications;
• Use compression garments with a higher risk of varicose veins;
• Schedule regular physical exams.

If varicose veins in the small pelvis have been detected, your doctor will advise you on how to prevent the progression of the disease. Typically, women receive intravenous therapy and wear compression garments regularly.