For most people, varicose veins are just a pathology of the lower extremities. However, problems with blood vessels can develop anywhere in the body, and intimate areas in men and women are no exception. Varicose veins (varicocele) of the lips and vulva, genitals and other organs of the testicles are of particular concern.
Reasons
The main factor in the development of pathology is the genetically determined weakness of the vessel wall, in which the vessels lose tone and elasticity. Additional causes of varicose veins of the groin are:
- feeding with frequent constipation;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
- intense physical activity with tension of the pelvic muscles and the anterior abdominal wall;
- slow blood circulation in the groin due to a sedentary lifestyle;
- blood clots, scars, adhesions, narrowing of blood vessels due to tumors of various etiologies and blockage of venous blood flow;
- physical maturity, pregnancy, changes in hormonal levels during menopause, taking hormonal drugs;
- increased load on the perineum in women before and after pregnancy, during childbirth;
- constriction of the vessels of the small pelvis and perineum due to blood stasis and enlargement of the uterus;
- external genital trauma and surgery in men and women;
- frequent urinary retention;
- systematic delay of ejaculation;
- often hot baths, baths, saunas.
Symptoms
In women, varicose veins affect the labia and other parts of the vulva, in men - the penis, testicles. Depending on the location, the pathology has similar and different symptoms.
Common ones include:
- spider veins in the early stages;
- dilated inguinal veins in the perineum, strong to the touch with altered relief, form grape plexuses and nodules in varicose veins of 3-4 degrees;
- blue skin tone;
- itching, burning, pain in the development of obstruction;
- feeling full;
- pain during intimate contact, going to the toilet, physical force.
In addition to varicose veins of the lips and vulva:
- Pain in the back or hips that is chronic, disrupts a woman's normal life and worsens the psycho-emotional state: depression, increased nervousness, poor sleep, neuroses.
- Hard and large vascular lumps that make it difficult to sit and move.
In men, varicose veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele) are accompanied by:
- asymmetry, prolapse, swelling of the scrotum on the side of the damaged testicle;
- discomfort, burning and pain while walking and the slightest physical exertion;
- deterioration of the quality of intimate life to impotence and infertility.
The defeat of the penis manifests itself:
- severe swelling of the arteries, even in a calm state;
- painful erection;
- skin color changes from dark pink to dark red with a bluish tinge;
- swelling of soft tissues;
- Accurately identify bleeding and indurations visible under the skin.
What is dangerous
Damage to the inguinal organs can lead to serious complications and adverse consequences: thickening of the blood in the arteries can lead to thrombosis, phlebitis, sudden bleeding that causes tension during sexual intercourse or bowel movements.
Labia and vulva
When left untreated, the disease progresses, leading to complications:
- Varicothrombophlebitis is a form of thrombophlebitis characterized by the defeat of the superficial vessels of the lower extremities. Gives complications to deep and main vessels, pulmonary artery.
- Pelvic thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the superficial and deep veins, which can be fatal if they rupture.
Medical experience has shown that the development of bleeding with such a pathology is rare, and the rupture of an inflammatory vessel is rare, but especially possible during childbirth, so varicose veins of the labia should be treated immediately after diagnosis.
Penis
Varicose veins in the penis and spermatic cord cause a decrease in sperm quality and erectile dysfunction. The patient's psychological health also suffers: the altered appearance of masculinity affects the emotional state, leading to the development of depression and neuroses, to impotence.
Treatment
The main drugs for the treatment of varicose veins are the elimination of factors that contribute to the development of pathology - proper nutrition, exercise, drinking regimen, weight correction.
The drugs are systemically prescribed topically in the form of tablets, capsules or ointments and creams. The following groups are prescribed: venotonics (phleboprotectants) to strengthen the vessel wall, increase vascular tone and elasticity, eliminate edema and lymph occlusion, antiplatelet agents against blood clot resorption, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain, antihistamines and antihistamines.
Pregnant women are advised to wear compression underwear in the form of socks or tights (with a pocket on the abdomen), for men - a special model of underwear to support the testicles and penis in the correct position.
Minimally invasive sclerotherapy is recommended - the insertion of special substances into the arteries that seal the damaged areas and the movement of blood through healthy blood vessels, as well as laser or radiofrequency ablation acting on a similar principle - seal the affected areas. ship.
Surgery is applied only after the birth of a child, if the veins have not returned to a healthy state, that is, the cause of varicose veins is not pregnancy.
In the early stages of the pathology, treatment is possible with alternative therapies: ointments, herbal decoctions, compresses and baths based on them. You should always consult your doctor before treating the pathology with alternative therapies.