Varicose veins of the uterus: treatment, diagnosis

Uterine varicose veins are a rare disease that can affect women of any age, size and health. Most often, the disease occurs in women of reproductive age and during pregnancy.

Varicose veins are a real problem for modern people. If the disease manifests itself in the lower extremities, diagnosing and treating it is not difficult. If the pelvic veins are affected by varicose veins, then diagnosing the disease in the early stages is very difficult due to the presence of nonspecific symptoms.

Definition

What are varicose veins of the uterus and how does it affect a woman’s well-being and reproductive function? This is a pathological process characterized by lengthening and dilation of blood vessels, the appearance of nodes, thinning of the venous walls, and difficulty in the blood circulation process. Varicose veins of the uterus are a relatively rare disease that has no specific symptoms and is difficult to detect.

Folk remedies and recipes

The following folk methods are excellent for thinning the blood and improving circulatory processes:

Dilute a spoonful of vinegar into a glass of water. Use 2 times a day before meals.
Horse chestnut tincture not only strengthens blood vessels, but also improves immunity. You can buy it ready-made at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself by mixing chopped chestnuts and alcohol. The product is infused for 2 weeks in a glass container with a tightly closed lid. Take 20 drops orally before meals.
Propolis perfectly cleans blood vessels in its natural form and in the form of a decoction. It is recommended to dissolve a slice of the product over an hour or prepare a decoction based on it, simply pour boiling water over the propolis and leave for 20 minutes. It should be noted that the drug can harm people with hypertension, as it accelerates blood circulation in the body and provokes a hypertensive crisis.
A tincture of lilac and alcohol very well eliminates congestion in the pelvic organs. You need to mix 200 g of plant flowers with 0.5 liters of alcohol and leave for 2 weeks. Next, 1 tsp. Do not take the product before each meal; do not drink or eat it.
A decoction of hop cones helps a lot. They are brewed in boiling water for 15 minutes, left for half an hour and drunk half a glass, 2 times a day.

Uterine varicose veins are a very serious pathology, so in this case you should not get carried away with traditional therapy. It can act as an addition to the main treatment, and in no case should it be used separately. Now, you know what varicose veins of the uterus are and you roughly know how to treat this disease, so at the first symptoms you can quickly consult a doctor and stop the disease at an early stage, preventing it from developing into a chronic form, which is considered incurable.

Varicose veins of the uterus are among the gynecological diseases with nonspecific symptoms. Difficulties in making an accurate diagnosis can result in delays in treatment and aggravation of the pathological condition, including hormonal imbalances and infertility.

Factors of occurrence

The reasons for the development of pathology of the uterine veins are mainly as follows:

History of abortion.
Sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy.
Hormonal imbalance (with a predominance of progesterone, which helps reduce the tone of the vessels of the pelvis and uterus).
Vascular valve insufficiency.
Untreated inflammatory processes.
Long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Hereditary predisposition.
Menstrual irregularities.
Chronic forms of other diseases affecting the condition of the reproductive organs.

The main symptom of the disease is a dull aching pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes radiating to the lower back or sacrum. There are no characteristic symptoms of uterine varicose veins; they occur with equal frequency in other gynecological diseases.

Symptoms

Uterine varicose veins have no age limit, so they can occur both in women of retirement age and in young nulliparous girls. It is known that the female population is more predisposed to varicose veins, but few people know that varicose veins can develop not only on the legs and hips, but also on internal organs, for example, on the uterus.

The complexity of the situation lies in the fact that the symptoms of this disease are very similar to other disorders of the genitourinary system, and therefore can be easily confused, and treatment will be carried out incorrectly. Uterine varicose veins have pronounced symptoms only at stage 2. In the initial stages, the disease does not make itself felt at all. It can be determined at stage 1 by chance during a routine ultrasound examination.

Symptoms of dilated uterine vessels:

nagging pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen;
feeling of heaviness in the lower back;
disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
pain during sexual intercourse;
heavy menstruation;
atypical discharge;
general weakness;
decreased performance.

All of the above symptoms are a good reason to consult a doctor. Conducting self-diagnosis and prescribing treatment on your own is strictly prohibited; this can only be done by a qualified doctor on an individual basis.

Uterine varicose veins are a disease caused by the development of pathological processes in the venous system, which leads to poor circulation. Of the existing varieties, this is the least common form of the disease. Symptoms do not appear immediately, making diagnosis difficult. In addition, the signs that appear are not specific, which means they may indicate different diseases.

Varicose veins in the uterus contribute to the appearance of the following symptoms:

Pain syndrome. Localized in the lower abdomen, it intensifies after lifting weights or sexual intercourse, as well as in the second half of the menstrual cycle. With pronounced vasodilation, the pain radiates to the lower back and rectum.
Menstrual irregularities. The breaks between menstruation increase, and the discharge becomes scanty. In some cases, the cycle length reaches 60-90 days.
Increased sensitivity of the vaginal mucous membranes. Varicose veins often spread to other parts of the reproductive system, causing pain and burning in the vagina.
Feeling of fullness in the middle part of the abdomen. Characteristic of varicose veins on the uterus during pregnancy. These sensations are often confused with contractions.
Internal bleeding. Dilated and thinned venous walls rupture, causing bloody vaginal discharge of varying intensity.

Diagnosing the disease is quite difficult, since the symptoms of varicose veins are similar to those of other pathological conditions. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

general weakness appears;
the patient is bothered by pain in the lower abdomen;
the disease leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle, menstruation may last longer than usual or shorter;
pain may occur during urination;
the sensitivity of the vaginal walls becomes stronger, which is noticeable during sexual intercourse;
a feeling of heaviness appears in the lower back.

All of the above symptoms are characteristic of the second stage of varicose veins. Uterine varicose veins do not manifest themselves in any way at the first stage of development; most often they are detected during a routine ultrasound examination. The appearance of one of the symptoms is a serious reason to go to the hospital. Treatment of the disease cannot be delayed, otherwise complications will arise. You cannot practice self-diagnosis and prescribe medications for yourself; such an attitude towards your health will only worsen the patient’s condition.

At-risk groups

Often, varicose veins in the uterus occur or progress in a pregnant woman, since the development of the disease is influenced by an increased level of progesterone, an increase in weight and venous pressure. Women carrying a child should, if possible, lead an active lifestyle and also regularly visit the doctor who is managing the pregnancy.

Women at risk for developing varicose veins of the uterus include:

overweight;
with a large history of abortions;
leading a sedentary lifestyle;
multiparous;
constantly using shapewear;
with sexual dysfunction;
with menstrual irregularities.

Such women need to reconsider their habits, stick to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, move more and monitor the condition of their intestines.

Features of clinical manifestations

During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing to the uterus increases, which, combined with the rest of the load on the body, can lead to varicose veins of the uterus. Such cases occur infrequently and mainly in women who become pregnant after 35 years of age.

Sometimes, in especially severe cases, the patient undergoes a cesarean section, since childbirth with varicose veins of the uterus can cause serious complications with a high degree of probability:

Thrombophlebitis;
Placental dysfunction;
Internal bleeding;
Thrombosis of the uterine venous plexus, ovarian veins, etc.

Varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy are a rather serious phenomenon. Moreover, it is worth considering that the risk of developing such a problem is many times greater in women who give birth frequently. The duration of pregnancy also influences the development of the problem.

Here it is worth considering that such pathology poses the greatest danger after childbirth. Indeed, due to its presence, the following may appear:

Thrombophlebitis
Ovarian vein thrombosis
Placental insufficiency

In some cases, they do not even use treatment, but try to hold out until the time when it is already acceptable and easy for the woman to have a caesarean section. This allows you to somewhat minimize the risk of developing consequences and complications. During the entire period of pregnancy, if such a diagnosed problem is present, the pregnant woman must be constantly under the control and supervision of a doctor specializing in phlebology. You should also carefully study the symptoms themselves - if they progress, be sure to inform your doctor about it.

During pregnancy, varicose veins of the uterus cannot be treated in any way. The only thing available to the expectant mother is physical therapy, the use of supportive compression garments and the use of latex pads. In some cases, the use of venotonics is permitted - but only after the approval of the treating doctor.

Uterine varicose veins are a disease of the vascular system, accompanied by dilation of the veins of a woman’s internal genital organs. Most often occurs in patients of reproductive age. Varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy pose a great danger. It causes bleeding and miscarriages.

Clinicians distinguish two types of venous insufficiency:

dilation of uterine vessels;
cervical varicose veins.

In both forms, the walls of the vessels become thinner, the lumens expand significantly, and nodules form. There are congenital and acquired varicose veins of the uterus. If the congenital form accompanies a woman from birth, then the acquired form can be either an independent disease or a secondary process, the result of a primary gynecological disease. There are several stages of development:

I degree. Venous lumens are less than 6.5 mm, the walls of the vessels are smooth.
II degree. The diameter of the venous lumens is about 8 mm, the veins bend.
III degree. The veins reach a diameter of 13 mm, and venous nodules form.

For uterine varicose veins at the last stage, treatment is carried out only by radical methods. Symptoms depend entirely on the severity of the damage to the vascular structures. There are several typical symptoms for venous insufficiency of the uterine cavity:

pain in the pelvic floor;
increased pain after sex;
disruption of menstruation (scanty or heavy discharge, change in menstruation schedule);
atypical discharge (bloody spots, ichor, dark brown clots).

Symptoms of varicose veins of the pelvis are considered common to many gynecological diseases, so careful diagnostic studies should be carried out to differentiate varicose veins from other pathologies.

During pregnancy, blood flow to the uterus increases to provide more nutrients to the growing fetus. Additional stress on the vessels can provoke the development of varicose veins of the uterus, along with other pathological changes in blood vessels and tissues. The risk group includes women in labor over 35 years of age, women with weak and brittle vascular walls, and a history of more than 2-3 births.

When diagnosing varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy, no special treatment is prescribed. In the first trimester, medications negatively affect the condition of the fetus. Doctors choose tactics for monitoring and monitoring the condition of the fetus. During pregnancy, it is very important to monitor the quality of the fetus’s supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Normally, pregnancy should occur no earlier than a year after surgery to treat varicose veins of the uterus. If a woman becomes pregnant with venous insufficiency, she is recommended to wear compression stockings, follow a diet, and visit a gynecologist at least 2 times a month (more if necessary). Pregnancy against the background of varicose veins of the uterus is pathological and requires a special attitude towards the patient.

Symptoms and signs

In the overwhelming majority of cases, varicose veins of the uterine vessels occur with hidden or not clearly expressed symptoms. Some of the most frequently voiced complaints are discomfort during or after sex, as well as during physical activity and during menstruation. Sometimes there is increased vaginal sensitivity, increased symptoms of PMS and an increase in the interval between menstruation to 1.5-2 months.

These symptoms are characteristic of many pathologies of the pelvic organs. Therefore, diagnosing varicose veins in the uterus is quite difficult. According to statistics, only 10% of patients with this pathology can be diagnosed at the onset of the disease. If misdiagnosed, the disease continues to progress and can lead to serious consequences over time.

Myometrial varicose veins - a symptom or a disease?

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In recent years, in the conclusions of ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs, one can find the formulation of dilatation of myometrial vessels. Is this a separate disease, or is it a symptom of another gynecological pathology?

According to some experts, this condition is a manifestation of varicose veins of the small pelvis. Although there is also another name - varicose veins of the uterus, congestive syndrome.

According to statistics, this disease occurs in 19.4% of girls under 20 years of age; with age, the prevalence of this pathology increases significantly; in women 40-50 years old it accounts for 80% of all gynecological pathologies.

What are the symptoms and causes of this disease?

The main causes of myometrial varicose veins are the following:

Pregnancy, especially complicated cases
Gynecological inflammatory diseases, endometriosis, retroflexion of the uterus, causing kinking of the broad uterine ligament
Heavy physical labor with heavy lifting
Work involving prolonged standing or sitting positions
Sexual dysfunction
Hyperestrogenism and menstrual irregularities
Taking hormonal contraceptives.

Symptoms of the disease are usually nonspecific, that is, characteristic of other gynecological diseases. Quite often, patients present two main complaints indicating the presence of varicose veins of the uterus: pain in the lower abdomen and heavy discharge from the genital tract.

The pain is nagging, aching, radiating to the lumbosacral region and perineum. In half of women suffering from this pathology, pain intensifies in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. There may also be an increase in pain when sitting or standing for a long time, after sexual intercourse, or physical activity.

The discharge is usually serous in nature and becomes more abundant than usual. There may also be an increase in the volume of menstrual blood loss and the appearance of spotting in the middle of the cycle.

A characteristic sign of pathology is the combination of varicose veins of the uterus (myometrium) with pathology of the vessels of the lower extremities and the digestive system. Thus, in 67% of cases, patients were diagnosed with varicose veins of the lower extremities, and in 30%, the presence of dilated hemorrhoids was noted.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the uterus

At the first stage of diagnosing the disease, a gynecological examination of the patient is performed. Already during its implementation, varicose veins of the uterine vessels can be suspected: there is pain in the internal walls of the small pelvis, changes in the size and shape of the uterus, and a difference in the thickness of its anterior and posterior walls.

The main diagnostic method, the so-called “gold standard” for varicose veins of the uterus, is ultrasound. When it is carried out, it is clearly visible that the arcuate veins of the myometrium are dilated, both in its outer and inner layers. The diameter of the vessels varies from 2 to 10 mm, depending on the severity of the disease.

In recent years, transvaginal echography with color mapping has been used. It allows you to differentiate varicose veins and endometriosis. The video below clearly shows areas of varicose veins, the so-called “lake symptom”.

Other diagnostic methods also use computed tomography of the pelvic organs, which makes it possible to identify varicose veins and exclude tumor processes in the pelvis.

Treatment of varicose veins of the uterus

There are two types of treatment for the disease - conservative and surgical.

Conservative methods include drugs that help restore the venous tone of the uterine vessels, improve the rheological properties of blood and trophic processes in the uterus.

These include venotonics (Phlebodia, Detralex), antiplatelet agents (Pentoxifylline). To relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Movalis) are prescribed.

For treatment with folk remedies, herbal infusions of herbs are used: horse chestnut (fruits or flowers), Vexibia thick-fruited (fruits), dandelion root. The method of hirudotherapy (treatment with medicinal leeches) is quite effective; it is carried out in specialized medical centers.

Surgical treatment is indicated in cases where the pain syndrome cannot be controlled with medications. The goal of surgery is to reduce or eliminate retrograde blood flow through the gonadal veins. The following techniques are used:

Angiography-guided ovarian vein embolization
Resection of gonadal veins under endoscopic control
Phlebectomy in the perineal area.

The best option, of course, is to identify the disease before pregnancy and, accordingly, carry out conservative therapy with venotonics. If pathology is detected already during pregnancy, complications in the form of placental insufficiency are possible in the later stages, which is an indication for cesarean section.

Is it possible to avoid the disease?

Prevention of varicose veins of the uterus consists, first of all, in normalizing working conditions: eliminating heavy physical activity and lifting heavy objects. Also, great importance is given to physical therapy, which prevents congestion in the pelvic organs.

The training consists of performing exercises in a lying position: “birch tree”, “scissors”, “bicycle”. Some experts recommend wearing special compression tights that improve venous outflow from the veins of the perineum and lower extremities.

Source: //netmiome.ru/endom/kogda-sluchaetsya-rashirnie-sosudov-miometriya

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of varicose veins is possible using laboratory and instrumental research methods. Ultrasound of the uterus with a vaginal sensor will allow you to visualize the condition of the veins. CT and x-rays in this case are not very informative. Laboratory tests make it possible to determine the composition of the blood.

Gynecological examination

If uterine varicose veins are suspected, the specialist should perform a vaginal examination and collect the patient’s medical history. During examination, the main diagnostic sign of the disease is a bluish tint of the cervix and vaginal mucosa, dilated veins and nodes.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound examination is of great value for establishing a diagnosis. It can be done in two ways: transvaginally, that is, by inserting a vaginal sensor, and through the abdominal wall, that is, transabdominally (pictured).

The pathology of the venous system can only be visualized using transvaginal ultrasound. After detecting the disease, the doctor must refer the woman to a doctor specializing in vein pathologies (phlebologist). He, in turn, will prescribe phlebography for a thorough examination of the venous system if ultrasound could not provide an accurate picture of the condition. This procedure is contraindicated for pregnant women and people with iodine intolerance.

Analyzes

Laboratory testing helps determine discrepancies in coagulogram parameters, which may be the cause of venous pathology. If there are a lot of platelets in the blood, then it has increased coagulability and viscosity, which also does not allow it to circulate adequately.

Patient prognosis

The prognosis for the future is optimistic only with timely diagnosis of the disease and treatment provided in compliance with all doctor’s instructions. Women need to understand how dangerous this disease is and be attentive to any changes in their body.

If pain occurs in the lower abdomen, which recurs periodically, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist and undergo medical tests to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Varicose veins of the uterus are pathological changes in blood vessels associated with impaired blood circulation and venous insufficiency. One of the varieties of this pathology is varicose veins in the uterus. This phenomenon was relatively recently formed by specialists as a separate disease. A couple of decades ago, this problem belonged to a number of gynecological ailments.

Today, doctors have a clear idea of what varicose veins in the uterus are. The vessels located in the pelvis are affected by the disease. Mostly women of childbearing age and pregnant women are affected.

In order to thoroughly understand what this problem of dilated vessels in the uterus is, it is necessary to understand its causes.

The period of bearing a child. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy, blood flow to the mark increases. Weaker venous vessels begin to stretch, and the functionality of the valves is impaired.
Symptoms of varicose veins in the pelvis can also appear in professional athletes. Excessive stress on the body contributes to an excessive flow of lymph into the pelvic organs.
Problems with bowel movements. When a person experiences constipation, the movement of blood in the vessels increases. A constant increase in pressure inside the peritoneum can lead to varicose veins of the uterus.
Uncontrolled use of hormones as a method of contraception. If there is a constant excess of the hormone estrogen in a woman’s body, then the vascular walls will become less elastic over time.
Sedentary work and passive lifestyle.
Anatomically incorrect structure of the pelvic organs. For example, congenital bending of the uterus.

The risk group also includes women who have previously often suffered from inflammatory processes in the pelvis. Patients who have undergone a difficult birth or have had more than 2 abortions should be on their guard.

Varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy

Varicose veins on the uterus during pregnancy in most cases develop in the ligament of the veins of the legs. Treatment of the disease is recommended after the birth of the child, and during pregnancy, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. Taking venotonics, wearing compression garments, and physical therapy exercises are recommended.

Varicose veins of the uterus do not occur often during pregnancy, but they create certain problems. Delivery is most often carried out by caesarean section. The woman should be under the medical supervision of a phlebologist throughout the gestational period.

Treatment

How to treat varicose veins of the uterus? Regardless of whether a woman is pregnant or not, treatment of the disease is carried out by a gynecologist in tandem with a phlebologist. In the case of pregnancy, the issue of the optimal method of childbirth is decided jointly by these specialists after identifying the degree of vascular pathology on ultrasound.

Drug therapy

Pharmacotherapy includes venotonics:

Troxevasin;
Anavenol;
Detralex;
Troxerutin (capsules).

Anticoagulants are also prescribed:

Thrombo ACC;
Phenilin;
Heparin;
Chime;
Cardiomagnyl.

Women who are carrying a child are not prescribed medications, since such a risk to the fetus is not justified. Pregnant women can be prescribed a contrast shower, physiotherapeutic measures, compression garments and multivitamin complexes.

Surgical intervention

If the pathology is detected at a late stage, and conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is resorted to. There are quite a few methods of surgical correction; it is important to choose the least traumatic and effective:

Sclerosis of blood vessels;
Removal of small affected 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 prescription of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helps to avoid the premature onset of menopause.

Diet

Since the lower intestines are located near the uterus, it is important to monitor the composition and diet. Wheat bran enhances peristalsis, and lactic acid products support microflora.

In addition, an abundance of plant foods will have a good effect on the condition of the veins: celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, cranberries and cherries. Products high in iodine, such as seaweed, perfectly restore the venous wall, strengthening it and reducing fragility. For normal functioning of organs, you need to drink up to 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

Sample menu for the day:

Breakfast

Salad of tomatoes and cucumbers;
Whole grain bread;
1 egg.

Dinner:

Vegetable soup;
Mashed potatoes;
Cutlet;
Sauerkraut with cranberries.

Dinner:

Kefir;
Whole grain bread;
A slice of cheese.

It is undesirable to consume products made from white flour and sugar, and confectionery products (chocolate, candies, cookies). You can eat honey, jam, and marshmallows in small quantities. Fatty foods are contraindicated because they cause blood clotting. It is better to steam or boil food.

Physiotherapy

A contrast shower gives a good result for varicose veins; it should be directed to the perineum area. Physical therapy can also help, it consists of performing exercises “bicycle”, “birch tree”, etc. In addition, it is recommended to do breathing exercises and wear compression garments.

Kegel exercises

These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles if done with some 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 tense. Gradually increase the duration of the exercises to 20 seconds.
Alternating the intensity of exercises, the so-called “lift”. 1st floor – lightly squeeze the muscles and hold for 3-5 seconds. 2nd floor intensity and duration increases, and so on. On the 5th-7th floor, do the exercises in the reverse order: from severe to weak load.
Rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles.
Pushing is the tension of the muscles that are used when pushing. It is similar to pushing during the process of defecation or childbirth.

Complications of the disease

How dangerous is the disease? If cervical varicose veins are not diagnosed in a timely manner, complications may arise that will lead to reproductive dysfunction:

Damage to veins.
Massive hemorrhages.
Inflammation of the uterus and appendages.
Inability to become pregnant and bear a child.

The disease can progress and lead to the development of the following conditions:

Functional failure of the genital organs.
Thrombosis, most often in pregnant women.
Abdominal pain.
Anxiety and increased irritability.

The disease significantly complicates intimate life, up to the development of vaginismus and fear of sexual intercourse.

Prevention of varicose veins of the uterus

To prevent pathology of the uterine veins, it is necessary to increase physical activity, eat right and do special gymnastics. For varicose veins, it is useful to rest with your legs raised up to improve outflow.

There is no need to make a diagnosis yourself based on the signs, since even a doctor is not always able to tell whether there is a pathology or whether these are symptoms of other gynecological diseases. Pain syndrome does not mean the presence of varicose veins of the uterus.

Causes of the disease

There are many reasons for the occurrence of pathology. The main factor for enlarged uterine veins is pregnancy. During this period, the vessels dilate greatly to allow blood flow. The veins have a thin wall, stretch significantly, and the functioning of the valves is disrupted.

The causes of varicose veins of the uterus are:

lifestyle without physical activity;
tendency to form blood clots;
constant constipation;
hereditary predisposition;
taking hormonal medications;
weight bearing loads;
congenital anomalies of the uterus, for example, its bend;
congenital weakness of vein valves;
frequent lack of orgasm during sexual intercourse;
hormonal disorders.

At risk are women who terminate pregnancy and have difficulties during childbirth.