The disease is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms have many similarities with other gynecological pathologies. The following signs may indicate varicose veins of the uterus: discomfort during intercourse, severe pain in the lower abdomen that occurs periodically, failure of the cycle with prolonged and sparse bleeding. But during the birth of a child, these symptoms may not appear or indicate other diseases.
Definition
What is it - varicose veins of the uterus and how it affects the well-being and reproductive function of women? This is a pathological process characterized by elongation and dilation of blood vessels, the appearance of nodules, thinning of the venous walls and impaired blood circulation. Varicose veins of the uterus are a relatively rare disease that has no specific symptoms and is difficult to detect.
Factors of origin
The causes of the development of uterine vein pathology are mainly the following:
- History of abortion.
- Sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy.
- Hormonal imbalance (dominated by progesterone, which helps reduce the tone of the blood vessels of the pelvis and uterus).
- Vascular valve insufficiency.
- Untreated inflammatory processes.
- Prolonged use of oral contraceptives.
- hereditary predisposition.
- Menstrual disorders.
- Chronic forms of other diseases that affect the condition of the reproductive organs.
The main symptom of the disease is dull aching pain in the lower abdomen, which sometimes spreads to the lower back or sacrum. There are no characteristic symptoms of varicose veins of the uterus, they are equally common in other gynecological diseases.
Risk groups
Varicose veins of the uterus often occur or progress in pregnant women, because the development of the disease is influenced by increased progesterone levels, weight gain and venous pressure. Women who are carrying a child should, if possible, lead an active lifestyle, as well as visit a doctor who is pregnant regularly.
Women at risk for varicose veins include:
- overweight;
- with a large number of abortions in history;
- leading a sedentary lifestyle;
- multiparous;
- constant use of underwear for weight loss;
- with sexual dysfunction;
- with menstrual irregularities.
Such women need to reconsider their habits, adhere to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, move more and monitor the condition of the intestines.
Symptoms and signs
In the vast majority of cases, varicose veins of the uterus occur with latent or unexpressed symptoms. One of the most commonly reported problems is discomfort during or after sex, as well as during physical exertion and during menstruation. Sometimes there is increased vaginal sensitivity, increased symptoms of PMS and an increase in the interval between periods to 1, 5-2 months.
These symptoms are characteristic of many pathologies of the pelvic organs. Therefore, it is quite difficult to diagnose varicose veins in the uterus. According to statistics, only 10% of patients with this pathology can be diagnosed at the beginning of the disease. If misdiagnosed, the disease continues to progress and can lead to serious consequences over time.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of varicose veins is possible with the help of laboratory and instrumental research methods. An ultrasound of the uterus with a vaginal sensor will allow you to visualize the condition of the veins. CT and X-ray in this case are uninformative. Laboratory studies enable the determination of blood composition.
Gynecological examination
If varicose veins are suspected, the specialist should perform a vaginal examination and take the patient's medical history. During the examination, the main diagnostic sign of the disease is the bluish shade of the cervix and vaginal mucosa, varicose veins and nodules.
ultrasound
Ultrasound is of great value for diagnosis. It can be done in two ways: transvaginally, ie by inserting a vaginal probe and through the abdominal wall, ie transabdominally (pictured).
Venous system pathology can only be visualized by transvaginal ultrasound. After detecting the disease, the doctor should refer the woman to a specialist in vein pathology (phlebologist). He, in turn, will prescribe phlebography for a thorough examination of the venous system, if the ultrasound cannot give an accurate picture of the condition. This procedure is contraindicated for pregnant women and people with iodine intolerance.
Analysis
A laboratory study helps determine discrepancies between coagulogram parameters, which may be the cause of venous pathology. If there are a lot of platelets in the blood, then it has increased coagulation and viscosity, which also does not allow it to circulate adequately.
Varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy
Varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy in most cases occur together with damage to the leg veins. Treatment of the disease is recommended after the birth of a child, and symptomatic therapy is prescribed during gestation. The reception of venotonics, wearing compression underwear, complexes of physiotherapeutic exercises are shown.
Varicose veins of the uterus in pregnancy are rare, but they create certain problems. Childbirth is usually performed by caesarean section. The entire gestational period of women should be under the medical supervision of a phlebologist.
Treatment
How to treat varicose veins of the uterus? Whether a woman is pregnant or not, the treatment of the disease is carried out by a gynecologist in tandem with a phlebologist. In the case of gestation, the question of the optimal way of giving birth is jointly decided by these specialists after the degree of vascular pathology is revealed by ultrasound.
Medical therapy
Pharmacotherapy includes venotonics. Anticoagulants are also prescribed.
Women who are carrying a child are not prescribed medication because such a risk to the fetus is not justified. Pregnant women can be prescribed a contrast shower, physiotherapy, compression underwear and multivitamin complexes.
Surgical intervention
If the pathology is detected at a late stage and conservative treatment is ineffective, resort to surgical intervention. There are several ways of surgical correction, from which it is important to choose the least traumatic and effective:
- Blood vessel sclerosis;
- Removal of small affected blood vessels through incisions;
- Radiofrequency coagulation;
- Laser coagulation.
In severe cases, the uterus is removed with or without appendages. Such a serious surgical intervention requires the appointment of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helps to avoid premature menopause.
Diet
Since the lower part of the intestine is located near the uterus, it is important to monitor the composition and diet. Wheat bran enhances peristalsis, and lactic acid products support the microflora.
In addition, the condition of the veins will be well affected by the abundance of plant foods: celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, cranberries and cherries. Foods rich in iodine, such as seaweed, perfectly renew the venous wall, strengthening it and reducing its fragility. For the normal functioning of the organs, it is necessary to drink up to 1. 5-2 liters of water a day.
Sample menu for the day
breakfast:
- Tomato and cucumber salad;
- Whole grain bread;
- 1 egg.
dinner:
- Vegetable soup;
- Mashed potatoes;
- Cutlet;
- Sauerkraut with cranberries.
dinner:
- Kefir;
- Whole grain bread;
- A piece of cheese.
It is undesirable to use products made of white flour and sugar, confectionery products (chocolate, sweets, cookies). In small quantities you can eat honey, jam, marshmallow. Fatty foods are contraindicated because they cause blood clots to form. Food is best steamed or cooked.
Physiotherapy
A good result for varicose veins gives a contrast shower, it must be sent to the perineum. Physiotherapy exercises can also help, which consist of performing exercises "bicycle", "birch", etc. In addition, it is recommended to perform breathing exercises and wear compression underwear.
Kegel exercises
These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles if they are done with a certain regularity, gradually increasing the complexity of the technique and increasing the duration. There are several types:
- Compression and relaxation. Tighten your muscles, count to three, and then relax. Count to three again and strain. Gradually increase the duration of the exercise to 20 seconds.
- Changing the intensity of exercises, the so-called. "elevator". 1st floor - it is easy to squeeze the muscles and hold them for 3-5 seconds. 2. Increases the intensity and duration of the floor, etc. At 5. -7. upstairs do the exercises in reverse order: from pronounced load to low.
- Rapid contraction and muscle relaxation.
- Pushing is the tension of the muscles involved in the attempts. It is similar to attempts during the process of defecation or childbirth.
Complications of the disease
Why is the disease dangerous? If varicose veins of the cervix are not diagnosed in time, complications can occur that will lead to impaired reproductive function:
- Vein damage.
- Massive bleeding.
- Inflammation of the uterus and appendages.
- Inability to conceive and give birth to a child.
The disease can progress and lead to the development of the following conditions:
- Functional insufficiency of the genital organs.
- Thrombosis, most often in pregnant women.
- Abdominal pain.
- Anxiety and increased irritability.
The disease greatly complicates intimate life, all the way to the development of vaginismus and fear of sexual intercourse.
Prevention of varicose veins of the uterus
To prevent the pathology of the uterine veins, it is necessary to increase physical activity, eat properly and engage in special gymnastics. With varicose veins, it is useful to rest your raised legs to improve the outflow.
It is not necessary to make a diagnosis on the basis of signs, because even a doctor can not always determine whether there is pathology or symptoms of other gynecological diseases. Pain syndrome does not mean the presence of varicose veins of the uterus.
Conclusion and conclusion
The disease leads to a violation of the hormonal background in women and the failure of the menstrual cycle. With untimely detection of varicose veins, complications and infertility can occur. Women diagnosed with this disease need regular check-ups and monitoring of the course of the disease. This will prevent complications and prevent the progression of the pathology. If the disease has already become complicated and conservative treatment does not work, the possibility of surgical intervention should be considered.