For most people, varicose veins only mean pathology of the lower extremities. However, problems with blood vessels can develop in any part of the body, and intimate places in men and women are no exception. Varicose veins of the labia and other organs of the vulva, penis and testicles (varicocele) are especially problematic.
Causes
The main factor in the development of pathology is the genetically determined weakness of the vascular wall, in which the veins lose tone and elasticity. Additional provoking causes of varicose veins of the groin are:
- malnutrition with frequent constipation;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
- intense physical activity with tension of the pelvic muscles and the anterior abdominal wall;
- slow blood circulation in the groin due to a sedentary lifestyle;
- compression of blood vessels and blockage of venous blood outflow due to blood clots, scars, adhesions, tumors of various etiologies;
- changes in hormonal levels during physical maturation, pregnancy, menopause, taking hormonal medications;
- increased load on the perineal organs in women before and after pregnancy, during childbirth;
- blood stagnation and compression of the pelvic and perineum vessels due to uterine growth;
- trauma and surgery of the external genitalia in men and women;
- frequent urinary retention;
- systematic delay in ejaculation;
- frequent hot baths, baths, saunas.
Symptoms
In women, varicose veins affect the lips and other parts of the vulva, in men - the penis, scrotum. Depending on the location, the pathology has similar and different symptoms.
Common ones include:
- spider veins in the early stages;
- dilated inguinal veins protruding in the perineum, firm to the touch with altered relief, forming a plexus of grapes and nodules at 3-4 degrees of varicose veins;
- bluish skin color;
- itching, tingling, pain in the development of congestion;
- feeling full;
- pain during intimate contact, going to the toilet, physical exertion.
In varicose veins of the labia and vulva, there are:
- The pain spreads to the lower back or hips, which takes on a chronic nature, which disrupts a woman's normal life and leads to worsening of psycho-emotional state: depression, increased irritability, poor sleep, neurosis.
- Hard and large vascular nodules that make it difficult to sit and move.
Varicose veins (varicocele) in men are accompanied by:
- asymmetry, prolapse, swelling of the scrotum on the side of the damaged testicle;
- discomfort, tingling and pain when walking and minimal physical exertion;
- deterioration of the quality of intimate life to impotence and infertility.
Defeat of the penis is manifested by:
- severe swelling of the veins, even at rest;
- painful erection;
- skin discoloration from dark pink to dark red with a bluish tinge;
- soft tissue swelling;
- precise bleeding and induration visible under the skin.
Which is dangerous
Damage to the organs in the groin can cause serious complications and negative consequences: clotting of blood in the veins causes thrombosis, phlebitis, sudden bleeding caused by intercourse or tension during bowel movements.
Labia and vulva
If left untreated, the disease progresses, causing complications:
- Varicothrombophlebitis is one of the forms of thrombophlebitis, which is expressed in the defeat of the superficial vessels of the lower extremities. It gives complications to the deep and main veins, the pulmonary artery.
- Pelvic thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in superficial and deep veins, which, if torn off, can be fatal.
As medical practice shows, the development of bleeding with such pathology rarely occurs, and situations where the inflamed vein ruptured are rare but possible, especially during childbirth, so varicose veins should be treated immediately after diagnosis.
Penis
Varicose veins on the penis and seminal vesicles lead to a decrease in sperm quality and impaired erectile function. The patient's psychological health also suffers: altered appearance of masculinity affects the emotional state, leads to the development of depression and neurosis, all the way to impotence.
Treatment
The basis for the treatment of varicose veins is taking medication and removing the factors that cause the development of pathology - proper nutrition, sports, drinking regime, weight correction.
Medicines are prescribed systemically in the form of tablets, capsules or locally in the form of ointments, creams. The following groups are prescribed: venotonics (phleboprotectors) to strengthen the vascular wall, increase the tone and elasticity of veins, relieve edema and lymphatic congestion, antiplatelet drugs to resorb blood clots, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain, antihistamines against itching, burning and more.
Pregnant women are advised to wear compression underwear in the form of socks or stockings (with a pocket on the abdomen), for men - a special model of underwear that supports the testicles and penis in the correct position.
Of the minimally invasive methods, sclerotherapy is recommended - the introduction of special substances into blood vessels that stick to damaged areas, and blood moves through healthy veins, as well as laser or radiofrequency ablation, which act on a similar principle - close the patient. vessel.
Surgical treatment is resorted to only after the birth of a child, if the veins have not returned to a healthy state, ie the cause of varicose veins is not pregnancy.
In the early stages of pathology, it is possible to treat with alternative therapeutic methods: ointments, decoctions of medicinal herbs, compresses and baths based on them. Before treating the pathology with alternative therapeutic methods, you should definitely consult your doctor.