Almost everyone has heard of varicose veins. In most people, this vascular disease is associated with problems in the legs, but quite often the pelvic organs become the site of localization of the pathological process. One of the types of this pathology is 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 adolescent girls. To cope 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 particular 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, as well as due to the similarity with diseases of the pelvic organs of an inflammatory nature. For these reasons, pathology is often detected in severe stages, when its treatment is much more complicated.
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 for its complications, among which there are inflammatory processes that cover the uterus, ovaries and vagina. The most serious complication is infertility.
Causes of the disease
Understanding the underlying factors in the development of the disease offers several key benefits. First, it enables the physician to diagnose more quickly and accurately, as well as to prescribe adequate treatment. Second, a woman will be able to try to prevent the development of pathology.
Consider the most likely causes of varicose veins:
- Pregnancy is considered the main factor in the development of the pathological process. Already in the embryonic stage, and then as the fetus grows and develops, the uterine circulation increases (much depends on the period). At the same time, in vessels with a weakened venous wall, the function of the valves is disturbed and they stretch. Moreover, a growing fetus increases the load on the pelvic organs, which can also trigger the development of the disease.
- Taking hormonal medications for a long time. Specific drugs negatively affect the condition of the vessels, their walls lose their elasticity.
- Another factor that provokes the disease is the reduction of motor activity. A sedentary or sedentary lifestyle leads to a decrease in muscle contractile function, the consequence will be a violation of blood circulation.
- Increased physical activity in the pelvic region. In this case, as in pregnancy, blood flow to the pelvic organs, in particular, to the uterus, increases.
- Increased constipation - in this case, the cause of varicose veins again becomes an increase in blood flow. However, circulation has now increased due to increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Congenital abnormalities in the structure of the uterus.
- Artificial termination of pregnancy.
- Hard birth.
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The complexity of diagnosing varicose veins of the uterus lies in the fact that the symptoms of this disease are disguised as other pathologies. Moreover, the clinical picture showing the development of the disease is quite poor:
- Frequent pain, recurring more than 3-4 times a week in the lower abdomen, closer to the pubic area. The pain syndrome is pronounced, the nature of the pain is attractive and painful. In some cases, the pain is so severe that the woman loses her ability to work, and it is even difficult to get out of bed.
- More than 80% of women with varicose veins of the uterus experience discomfort or even pain during or after intercourse.
- Violation of the menstrual cycle, delays in menstruation up to 50-60 days are possible. In this case, the discharge is often weak, menstruation lasts to 5-7 days. Prolonged absence of menstruation by many women is taken as the first sign of menopause.
This clinical picture is inherent in a number of other gynecological diseases. Therefore, 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, in varicose veins of the cervix, the symptoms are almost the same.
Important: Varicose veins of the uterus are mainly diagnosed in the second stage, as it is at this time that the described symptoms begin to bother the woman. The sooner the pathology is detected and its treatment started, the lower the likelihood of complications, in particular, infertility.
As for the studies directly assigned, they are as follows:
- Ultrasound, which is performed by the transvaginal method.
- CT of the pelvic organs.
- Dopplerography.
- Selective ovarography.
The need for any diagnostic method depends on the data obtained as a result of the ultrasound, as it is performed first.
Characteristics of the disease during pregnancy
Due to the increased load on the body as a whole and on the pelvic organs, during pregnancy the possibility of developing varicose veins of the uterus increases. Until a woman gives birth, the disease can not be treated.
The pathology that develops during pregnancy affects the choice of mode of birth. Very often, the doctor decides to perform a cesarean section. This is done to avoid complications in the form of thrombophlebitis, internal bleeding, thrombosis, etc.
Regardless of in which period of pregnancy the disease was detected, a woman should be constantly monitored by a physician to monitor the condition of the fetus and the progression of varicose veins.
Important: When planning a pregnancy, do an examination to identify varicose veins of the uterus and other gynecological problems. This will help avoid complications during childbirth and reduce the risk of fetal development pathologies.
Treatment of the disease
To get qualified help for varicose veins, you should contact a doctor, initially 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 the capillaries and blood vessels, reduce their permeability, increase elasticity and strengthen the walls of the veins.
- Drugs to reduce blood viscosity - contribute to an overall improvement of blood entry and exit into the affected vessels, reduce the likelihood of thrombosis. Means of this group are contraindicated in pathologies of the cardiac system.
Important: Each medication is prescribed by only one doctor, based on the preliminary diagnosis, the patient's medical history and taking into account the stage of disease development. It is important to observe special care for women in position.
Treatment methods
In addition to drug therapy for a comprehensive treatment, an integrated approach and implementation of the following recommendations are important:
- sleep regimen compliance;
- minimizing physical activity but at the same time maintaining mobility;
- following a diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits and oils rich in vitamin E;
- supportive sports, therapeutic gymnastics;
- complete exclusion of any bad habit;
- some doctors recommend performing Kegel exercises, which help strengthen the vaginal muscles.
Surgical intervention
Such drastic measures are required in cases where conservative treatment has not brought proper results or the disease has been detected at a late stage. The following methods of surgical intervention are the most popular:
- Phlebectomy is the removal of individual sections of small vessels.
- Laser coagulation is the most economical type of restoration of normal blood flow.
- Sclerotherapy is the insertion of an agent into a vein cavity that promotes its adhesion. Lack of blood supply to the vessel will lead to its spontaneous elimination.
- In more severe cases, it is necessary to perform a complete removal of the uterus, sometimes along with appendages.
ethnoscience
Alternative methods are one of the conservative treatment options. They are not able to completely replace drug therapy, but may affect the success of therapy in general.
The most effective tools of traditional medicine are:
- Horse chestnut infusion: take 100 grams of chestnut fruit, chop them together with the peel. Pour the resulting raw material with such an amount of vodka 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 vascular walls and thins the blood.
- Lilac tincture: for 0, 5 liters of vodka, you should take 100 grams of lilac flowers and 30 grams of propolis. All ingredients are poured with vodka and left in a dark place for 30 days (every 2-3 days you need to shake). The tincture is then filtered and consumed 15 milliliters three times daily before meals.
Remember, before using even the most harmless traditional medicine, you should consult a doctor.
Complications of the disease
Varicose veins of the uterus are dangerous for their complications in the absence of adequate treatment. These complications are as follows:
- internal bleeding;
- thrombosis;
- inflammatory processes of the genital organs;
- menstrual irregularities;
- hormonal ovarian dysfunction;
- infertility.
Preventive measures
It is always better to prevent a disease by preventing 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;
- do gymnastic sports;
- eat healthy food, less fatty, fried, spicy, spicy, sour;
- visit the gynecologist regularly, especially for the smallest complaint.
Despite the difficulties in detecting varicose veins of the uterine veins, to avoid disease progression and complications, if the previously described symptoms appear, consult a doctor. It is also important to remember that self-medication in such cases is contraindicated, careful diagnosis and continuous monitoring by a gynecologist and phlebologist are necessary.