In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered “feminine”.This is wrong.Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Data from large statistical studies confirm this.The predominance of a decent half of the population in public hospitals only indicates that women focus on varicose veins, while men do not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist have, in addition to medical, cosmetic purposes.For men, as a rule, they have no interest.
Therefore, in our country, the "male" form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by a late presentation.As they say, "till the thunder strikes, a man will not cross himself"...
“Male” risk factors for varicose veins
It is generally accepted that the true cause of varicose veins is still unknown.Risk factors include hereditary predisposition and lifestyle.These risk factors are the same for men and women.
The main ones:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- work associated with long periods of forced standing and sitting;
- discrepancy between eating habits and real energy costs, leading to obesity;
- smoking;
- heavy physical labor associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports that involve weight lifting
Causes of severe forms of varicose veins in men
In the initial stage, the development of varicose veins in men and women is the same.The disease proceeds according to the same principles and with the same phases.The reason for more severe forms of varicose veins when contacting a phlebologist in men is precisely late presentation.Men, as a rule, do not care about the aesthetic component.There is no pain in varicose veins in the early stages of the disease, so most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.When pain and swelling appear, men just as steadfastly ignore these symptoms, showing miracles of recklessness.The reason for this behavior is the lack of information.The collapse of the dispensary system and the lack of medical information for the population lead to poor literacy among the male population regarding the possible damage caused by varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from promptly contacting the phlebologist is the reluctance to wear "female" compression stockings.This is also a consequence of medical illiteracy and is largely the fault of healthcare workers rather than the population.
A lack of long-term treatment leads to the fact that by the time a man turns to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced major varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- Trophic ulcer of venous origin
- bleeding from varicose veins
To avoid these complications, a modern and timely diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The optimal solution for men with symptoms of varicose veins is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of blood vessels at the time of treatment is a mandatory component of consultation with a phlebologist!It is advisable that the ultrasound of the veins is performed not by a third-party doctor (however qualified he may be), but personally by the phlebologist you contact.The doctor who undertakes to advise you is responsible for both the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angioscanning in duplex and triplex mode (ultrasound of the veins) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this test should be performed by the doctor who will advise, treat or operate on you.Ultrasound of the veins should be performed in a standing position.For patients whose health conditions do not allow ultrasound to be performed in an upright position, the examination can be performed in a lying position with effort, but its diagnostic value will be lower.Especially when it comes to diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After interviewing the patient, examination, palpation and ultrasound of the veins, the phlebologist must draw up his report, which includes a brief history of the disease, diagnosis and recommendations.It is mandatory to draw up a protocol for ultrasound angioscanning indicating the date of the study.If necessary (complex cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep vein thrombosis), the doctor recommends further clarifying studies (magnetic resonance venography, X-ray angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The specialist examination will last no more than half an hour and you will receive sufficient information about the venous system of the lower extremities.
Consultation with a phlebologist is absolutely safe and does not involve traumatic examinations or procedures.No special preparation is required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important to choose a modern and effective treatment, which will avoid complications and progression of the disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins in men
Every patient should pay attention to these signs:
- The appearance of varicose veins that protrude above the skin when standing.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations along the course of varicose veins.
- Pain along the course of varicose veins, especially at the end of the working day.
- Swelling in the leg and foot area.The first symptoms are that the elastic of the sock leaves a clearly visible mark and the usual shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or bluish pigmentation).
- Trophic ulcer in the lower third of the leg along the internal surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
A modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is now available to most people.Professional specialists work only according to the protocols recommended by the Association of Phlebologists and in accordance with European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasound angioscanning and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods of treatment of varicose veins used by specialists:
- Thermoobliteration (laser and radio frequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment in medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All the necessary medical documentation is issued (consultation with the phlebologist surgeon, ultrasound angiography protocol, discharge summary with recommendations, certificate of temporary incapacity, documents for tax deductions).
Many patients have already appreciated the benefits of innovative methods for treating varicose veins.It should be noted that they all depend on the operator.That is, the success of treatment depends not only on the modernity and high cost of the equipment, but also on the operator, that is, the doctor working on it.Specialists have extensive experience in ultrasound diagnostics of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid ultrasound diagnostic certificates), as well as extensive experience in interventions on the veins of the lower extremities and thermal obliteration (laser, radio frequency) of varicose veins.