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When we talk about varicose veins, we immediately think of varicose veins in the legs, which is the most common region of them to appear. But they can also occur in other areas such as the area of the man’s testicles, which is called varicocele or in the pelvic area, reaching the woman’s ovaries, tubes and uterus, called pelvic varices.
The problem of pelvic varicose veins in addition to disrupting the common blood flow to the heart can lead to pain crises in the lower abdomen or very strong lower abdomen and severe pain during sex and especially afterwards. The pain also usually appears before and after the menstrual period and also appears after a long period of standing woman. The factor occurs due to the dilation of the veins around the organs centralized in the pelvis that in large numbers the symptoms start so strong and frequent.
The main reason for the appearance of pelvic varices is the genetic factor, and in most cases during pregnancy due to the baby’s weight on the veins of the pelvis . Other places that can also present varicose veins are in the region of the vulva, buttocks, legs and genitalia, which with the changes and hormonal increase the problem tends to intensify. The second reason is the high compression that results in venous obstruction, where the renal vein is completely compressed by the superior mesenteric artery. Some syndromes have a strong relationship with the appearance of pelvic varices, such as May-Thurner syndrome and Cockett syndrome, which, different from the above, compresses the iliac vein against the spine and in addition to pelvic varicose veins, has the symptom of swelling and thrombosis in the left leg.
The symptoms are not always so obvious to worry about and imagine that they are pelvic varicose veins, however in case of abdominal pain or in the constant lower abdomen, similar to strong cramps, especially causing discomfort during sexual intercourse a doctor should be sought for verification. The diagnosis is made by means of a transvaginal ultrasound, where the entire pelvic part is evaluated using the imaging device and the presence of abnormal veins is verified. The use of doppler ultrasound is also feasible, since it is possible to see the flow of blood running through the veins and see its functionality. If any changes are noticed, the doctor will request additional tests to detail the problem, which can be an angiography, angiotomography or a phlebography.
Treatment for Pelvic Varicose Veins
The treatment will only be indicated and started after the completion of the complementary exams that will indicate the reason for the pelvic varices. Only by knowing the cause of the problem is it possible to know the proper treatment and which medicines to use to remedy the issue. Usually the treatment is carried out using hormones such as progesterone , which will decrease ovulation and also blood flow within the pelvic veins. If hormone-based treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Leaving behind those totally invasive surgeries that needed cuts to access the blocked veins, today they are done less aggressively through a catheter, or as known as endovascular surgery . Where a puncture is performed through a needle in the femoral vein, the vein is found in the groin or neck region. Through the femoral vein, a catheter with enough capacity to reach and locate the focus of the problem is placed. The specialist performing the procedure is able to monitor the entire catheter path through an imaging device, in real time. With the help of this same catheter, it is possible to remedy the problem of veins that do not function properly, using a small spring, sclerosing medication or biological glue.
In some cases, angioplasty may be indicated, where a stent is placed in the compressed veins, through the opening with a balloon. The stent is a small tubing made of steel or nitinol that has the function of keeping the vein open so that blood flow works normally. Both procedures can be performed with local or general anesthesia according to the doctor’s need and choice. If you are suffering from abdominal pain and abnormal menstrual flow, you may be suffering from the problem. See a doctor and specify the symptoms, an early diagnosis can make all the difference in treatment.
See also: Varicose veins in the womb – How to find out?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
