In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered "feminine".This is not right.Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Data from large statistical studies confirm this.The predominance of a good half of the population in public hospitals only indicates that women are focused on varicose veins, while men are not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist, in addition to medical purposes, also have cosmetic purposes.For men, as a rule, they are not of interest.
So, in our country as a whole, the "male" form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by a late manifestation.As they say, "until lightning strikes, a man will not cross himself"...
"Male" risk factors for varicose veins
It is generally accepted that the true cause of varicose veins is still unknown.Risk factors include hereditary predisposition and lifestyle.These risk factors are the same for men and women.
Main:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- work associated with long periods of forced standing and sitting;
- discrepancy between eating habits and actual energy expenditure, leading to obesity;
- smoking;
- heavy physical work associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports involving weightlifting
Causes of severe forms of varicose veins in men
In the initial stage, the development of varicose veins in men and women is the same.The disease proceeds according to the same principles and with the same stages.The reason for more severe forms of varicose veins at the time of presentation to a phlebologist in men is precisely the late presentation.Men, as a rule, do not care about the aesthetic component.In the early stages of the disease, there is no pain in varicose veins, so most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.As pain and swelling appear, men just as steadfastly ignore these symptoms, demonstrating the wonders of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is the lack of information.The collapse of the dispensary system and the lack of medical information for the population leads to low literacy of the male population regarding the possible harm of varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from contacting a phlebologist in time is the reluctance to wear "female" compression stockings.This is also a consequence of medical illiteracy and it is largely the fault of medical professionals, not the population.
Long-term lack of treatment leads to the fact that when a person turns to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced major varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- trophic ulcer of venous origin
- bleeding from varicose veins
In order to avoid these complications, a timely modern diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The optimal solution for men with symptoms of varicose veins is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of blood vessels during treatment is a mandatory component of consultation with a phlebologist!It is recommended that the venous ultrasound is not performed by a third-party doctor (regardless of how highly qualified he is), but by the phlebologist you contacted personally.The doctor who will advise you is responsible for the correct diagnosis and development of the treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angioscanning in duplex and triplex mode (vein ultrasound) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this test should be performed by a doctor who will advise, treat or operate on you.Ultrasound of the veins should be done in a standing position.For patients whose health condition does not allow ultrasound to be performed in an upright position, the examination can also be performed in a lying position with stress, but its diagnostic value will be lower.Especially when it comes to diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After an interview with the patient, examination, palpation and ultrasound of the veins, the phlebologist must write his report, which includes a brief medical history, diagnosis and recommendations.It is mandatory to write a protocol for ultrasound angioscanning with an indication of the date of the study.If necessary (complex cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep vein thrombosis), the doctor recommends additional examinations (magnetic resonance venography, X-ray angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The professional examination lasts no longer than half an hour, and you will receive enough information about the venous system of the lower extremities.
Consultations with a phlebologist are absolutely safe and do not involve any traumatic examinations or procedures.No special preparation is required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important for choosing modern and effective treatment, which will avoid complications and progression of the disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins in men
Every patient should pay attention to these signs:
- The appearance of varicose veins that protrude above the skin when standing.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations along the course of varicose veins.
- Pain in the course of varicose veins, especially at the end of the working day.
- Swelling in the legs and feet.The first symptoms are that the elastic from the sock leaves a clearly visible mark, and the usual shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or bluish pigmentation).
- Trophic ulcer in the lower third of the leg along the inner surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
Modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is now available to most people.Professional specialists work only according to the protocols recommended by the Association of Phlebologists and in accordance with European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasound angioscanning and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods of treating varicose veins used by experts:
- Thermoobliteration (laser and radiofrequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment in medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All necessary medical documentation is issued (consultations with a phlebologist surgeon, ultrasound angioscanning protocol, discharge letter with recommendations, certificate of temporary incapacity, documents for tax benefits).
Many patients have already appreciated the benefits of innovative methods for the treatment of varicose veins.It should be noted that they all depend on the operator.That is, the success of the treatment depends not only on the modernity and high price of the equipment, but also on the operator, that is, the doctor who works on it.Specialists have extensive experience in ultrasound diagnosis of lower extremity diseases (all specialists have valid ultrasound diagnosis certificates), as well as vast experience in lower extremity vein operations and thermal (laser, radiofrequency) obliteration of varicose veins.