Almost everyone has heard of varicose veins. In most people, this vascular disease is associated with foot problems, but often the pelvic organs become the site of localization of the pathological process. One of the types of this pathology are varicose veins of the uterus.
The disease is diagnosed mainly in women or girls who have entered the reproductive age, but in some cases it also develops in adolescents. To deal with the pathology, it is important to know the main causes and symptoms of its occurrence, as well as to have an idea of the methods of treatment.
Characteristics of pathology
Varicose veins of the uterus, what is it? This medical term refers to a disease caused by a number of pathological factors that affect the venous network of the pelvic organs:
- Thinning of vascular walls.
- Formation of vascular nodes.
- Venous lumen dilation.
These three factors negatively affect the process of blood circulation in a special part of the organ and lead to valvular insufficiency of veins in the same area. The disease is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of obvious clinical signs, but also due to the similarity with diseases of the pelvic organs of an inflammatory nature. For these reasons, the pathology is often detected in difficult stages, when its treatment is much more complex.
Gynecologists distinguish two subtypes of the pathological process:
- Varicose veins of the uterus.
- Varicose veins of the cervix.
In any case, the disease is dangerous due to its complications, among which are inflammatory processes that cover the uterus, ovaries and vagina. The most serious complication is infertility.
Causes of disease
Understanding the basic factors in the development of the disease provides several key benefits. First, it enables the doctor to make a diagnosis faster and with more precision, as well as to prescribe adequate treatment. Second, the woman will be able to try to prevent the development of pathology.
Consider the most likely causes of varicose veins of the uterus:
- Pregnancy is considered a major factor in the development of the pathological process. Already in the embryonic phase, and then as the fetus grows and develops, the circulation of the uterus increases (much depends on the period). At the same time, in vessels with a weakened venous wall, the function of the valve is disturbed and stretched. In addition, the growing fetus increases the load on the pelvic organs, which can also give impetus to the development of the disease.
- Long-term use of hormonal drugs. Specific drugs negatively affect the condition of blood vessels, their walls lose elasticity.
- Another factor that causes the disease is reduced motor activity. A sedentary or sedentary lifestyle leads to a decrease in contractile muscle function, and the result will be a violation of blood circulation.
- Increased physical activity in the pelvic area. In this case, as in pregnancy, the blood flow to the pelvic organs increases, especially to the uterus.
- Increased constipation - in this case, the cause of varicose veins again becomes an increase in blood flow. However, circulation is now increased due to increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Congenital anomalies in the structure of the uterus.
- Artificial abortion.
- A difficult birth.
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The complexity of diagnosing varicose veins lies in the fact that the symptoms of this disease are masked as other pathologies. In addition, the clinical picture that indicates the development of the disease is quite poor:
- Frequent, recurring more than 3-4 times a week pain in the lower abdomen, closer to the pubic region. The pain syndrome is pronounced, the nature of the pain is withdrawal and pain. In some cases, the pain is so intense that the woman loses the ability to work, it is difficult to even get out of bed.
- More than 80% of women with varicose veins feel discomfort or even pain during or after intercourse.
- Violation of the menstrual cycle, delays in menstruation of up to 50-60 days are possible. In this case, the discharge is often scanty, menstruation is prolonged for 5-7 days. Prolonged absence of menstruation in many women is taken as the first sign of menopause.
This clinical picture is characteristic of a number of other gynecological diseases. For that reason, it is impossible to make a diagnosis only on the basis of symptoms, the doctor is obliged to prescribe a series of diagnostic measures. In addition, the symptoms of varicose veins of the cervix are approximately the same.
Important: Varicose veins of the uterus are diagnosed mainly in the second stage, because it is at this time that the described symptoms begin to bother the woman. The sooner the pathology is detected and treated, the less likely it is to have complications, especially infertility.
As for the directly awarded studies, they are as follows:
- Ultrasound performed by the transvaginal method.
- CT of the pelvic organs.
- Doppler.
- Selective ovaricography.
The need for each diagnostic method depends on the data obtained by ultrasound, as it is the first to be performed.
Characteristics of the disease during pregnancy
Due to the increased load on the body as a whole and the pelvic organs, during pregnancy the chance of developing varicose veins of the uterus increases. Until a woman gives birth, the disease cannot be cured.
Pathology that develops during pregnancy affects the choice of childbirth. Very often the doctor decides on a caesarean section. This is done in order to avoid complications in the form of thrombophlebitis, internal bleeding, thrombosis, etc.
Regardless of the period of pregnancy in which the disease was discovered, the woman needs to be constantly monitored by a doctor in order to monitor the condition of the fetus and the progress of varicose veins.
Important: When planning a pregnancy, undergo an examination to determine varicose veins and other gynecological problems. This will help avoid complications during childbirth and reduce the risk of developing fetal pathologies.
Treatment of diseases
To get qualified help for varicose veins, you need to consult a doctor, first a gynecologist, who will then refer you to a phlebologist.
The basis of treatment is drug therapy, which consists of taking the following drugs:
- Venotonics - drugs of this group have a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels. They tone capillaries and blood vessels, reduce their permeability, increase elasticity and strengthen vein walls.
- Drugs to reduce blood viscosity - contribute to the general improvement of blood flow and outflow in the affected vessels, reduce the likelihood of thrombosis. Drugs of this group are contraindicated in pathologies of the cardiac system.
Important: Any medicine is prescribed only by a doctor, based on the preliminary diagnosis, the patient's anamnesis and taking into account the stage of disease development. It is important to pay special attention to pregnant women.
Methods of treatment
In addition to drug therapy for complete treatment, an integrated approach and application of the following recommendations is important:
- compliance with sleep regime;
- minimizing physical activity but at the same time maintaining mobility;
- adherence to a diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruits and oils rich in vitamin E;
- supportive sports, therapeutic gymnastics;
- complete exclusion of all bad habits;
- some doctors recommend performing Kegel exercises to help strengthen vaginal muscles.
Surgical intervention
Such drastic measures are needed in cases when conservative treatment did not give adequate results or the disease was detected at a late stage. The following methods of surgical intervention are the most popular:
- Phlebectomy is the removal of individual parts of small blood vessels.
- Laser coagulation is the most economical type of restoration of normal blood flow.
- Sclerotherapy is the introduction into the vena cava of an agent that stimulates its adhesion. Lack of blood supply in the vessel will lead to its spontaneous elimination.
- In the most severe cases, it is necessary to completely remove the uterus, sometimes together with the appendages.
ethnoscience
Alternative methods are one of the options for complex treatment in a conservative way. They are not able to completely replace drug therapy, but they can affect the success of therapy in general.
The most effective means of traditional medicine are:
- Wild chestnut infusion: take 100 grams of chestnuts, chop them together with the peel. Pour the amount of vodka over the obtained raw material to cover the crushed fruit by 4-5 millimeters. Insist in a dark place for 14-15 days. After that, the infusion is taken 10 drops twice a day. The tool strengthens the walls of blood vessels and thins the blood.
- Lilac tincture: for 0, 5 liters of vodka is necessary to take 100 grams of lilac flowers and 30 grams of propolis. All the ingredients are poured over vodka and left in a dark place for 30 days (you need to shake every 2-3 days). The tincture is then strained and drunk 15 milliliters three times daily before meals.
Remember, before using even the safest traditional medicine, you should consult a doctor.
Complications of the disease
Varicose veins of the uterus are dangerous due to their complications in the absence of adequate treatment. These complications are as follows:
- internal bleeding;
- thrombosis;
- inflammatory processes of the genital organs;
- menstrual irregularities;
- ovarian hormonal dysfunction;
- infertility.
Preventive measures
It is always better to prevent the disease, to prevent its development, than to deal with it or its consequences later. To prevent varicose veins of the uterus, follow these simple guidelines:
- lead a mobile lifestyle, walk more and walk;
- engage in gymnastic sports;
- eat healthy foods, less fatty, fried, spicy, spicy, sour;
- visit a gynecologist regularly, especially for the slightest complaints.
Despite the difficulty in detecting varicose veins of the uterus, to avoid the progression of the disease and complications, if the previously described symptoms occur, consult a doctor. It is also important to remember that self-medication in such cases is contraindicated, careful diagnosis and constant monitoring by gynecologists and phlebologists is necessary.