For most people, varicose veins mean only a pathology of the lower limbs. However, problems with blood vessels can develop anywhere in the body, and intimate places in men and women are no exception. Varicose veins of the lips and other organs of the vulva, penis and testicles (varicocele) are particularly annoying.
causes
The main factor in the development of pathology is a genetically determined weakness of the vascular wall, in which the veins lose tone and elasticity. Additional provoking causes of varicose veins of the inguinal organs are:
- malnutrition with frequent constipation;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
- intense physical activity with tension of the pelvic muscles and anterior abdominal wall;
- slowing of blood circulation in the groin due to a sedentary lifestyle;
- compression of blood vessels and blockage of venous blood outflow due to blood clots, scars, adhesions, tumors of various etiologies;
- changes in hormone levels during physical maturation, pregnancy, menopause, taking hormonal drugs;
- increased load on the organs of the perineum in women before and after pregnancy, during childbirth;
- stagnation of blood and compression of the vessels of the small pelvis and perineum due to the growth of the uterus;
- trauma and surgery of the external genital organs in men and women;
- frequent urinary retention;
- systematic delay in ejaculation;
- frequent hot baths, baths, saunas.
Symptoms
In women, varicose veins affect the labia and other parts of the vulva, in men - the penis, scrotum. Depending on the location, the pathology has similar and different symptoms.
Common ones include:
- spider veins in the early stages;
- dilated inguinal veins protruding into the perineum, firm to the touch with an altered relief, forming cluster plexus and nodes at 3-4 degrees of varices;
- bluish skin tone;
- itching, burning, pain in the development of congestion;
- feeling of fullness;
- pain during intimate contact, going to the toilet, physical exertion.
With varicose veins of the lips and vulva, there are also:
- Pain radiating to the lower back or hips, taking on a chronic nature, disrupting the normal life of the woman and leading to a deterioration of the psycho-emotional state: depression, increased irritability, poor sleep, neurosis.
- Hard and large vascular lumps that make it difficult to sit and move.
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele) in men are accompanied by:
- asymmetry, prolapse, swelling of the scrotum on the side of the damaged testicle;
- discomfort, burning and pain when walking and minimal physical exertion;
- deterioration of the quality of intimate life up to impotence and sterility.
The defeat of the penis manifests itself:
- severe swelling of the veins, even in a calm state;
- painful erection;
- a change in skin color from dark pink to dark red with a bluish tinge;
- soft tissue swelling;
- identify bleeding and hardening visible under the skin.
What is dangerous?
Damage to the inguinal organs can cause serious complications and negative consequences: the thickening of the blood in the vessels causes thrombosis, phlebitis, sudden bleeding caused by intercourse or tension during bowel movements.
lips and vulva
If left untreated, the disease progresses, causing complications:
- Varicothrombophlebitis is one of the forms of thrombophlebitis, which is expressed in the defeat of the superficial vessels of the lower extremities. Gives complications to deep and main veins, pulmonary artery.
- Pelvic thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the superficial and deep veins which, if torn, can be fatal.
As medical practice shows, the development of bleeding with such a pathology occurs rarely, and situations when an outbreak of inflamed veins are rare, but possible, especially during childbirth, then varicose veins of the labia should be treated immediately after diagnosis.
Penis
Varicose veins in the penis and spermatic cord lead to decreased sperm quality and impaired erectile function. The psychological health of the patient also suffers from it: the altered aspect of virility affects the emotional state, leads to the development of depression and neurosis, up to impotence.
Treatment
The basis for the treatment of varicose veins is the dressing and elimination of the factors that provoke the development of the pathology: proper nutrition, sports, diet, correction of body weight.
Drugs are prescribed systemically in the form of tablets, capsules or locally in the form of ointments, creams. The following groups are prescribed: venotonic (phleboprotectors) to strengthen the vascular wall, increase the tone and elasticity of the veins, relieve edema and lymphatic congestion, antiplatelet agents for the resorption of blood clots, NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation and pain, antihistamines for itching, burning, and others.
Pregnant women are advised to wear compression underwear in the form of stockings or pantyhose (with a pocket on the stomach), for men - a special model of underwear to support the testicles and penis in the correct position.
Of the minimally invasive methods, sclerotherapy is recommended - the introduction of special substances into the vessels that glue the damaged areas and blood moves through healthy veins, as well as laser or radiofrequency ablation, which act on a similar principle - seal people affected ship.
Surgical treatment is resorted to 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 with alternative therapeutic methods is possible: ointments, decoctions of medicinal plants, compresses and baths based on them. Before treating the pathology with alternative therapeutic methods, you should definitely consult with your doctor.