For most people, varicose veins only mean a pathology of the lower extremities. However, blood vessel problems can develop in any part of the body, and intimate places in both men and women are no exception. Varicose veins of the lips and other organs of the vulva, penis and testicles (varicocele) are particularly troublesome.
Causes
The main factor in the development of pathology is genetically determined weakness of the vascular wall, in which the veins lose their tone and elasticity. Additional causes causing varicose veins of the groin organs are:
- malnutrition 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;
- compression of blood vessels and blockage of venous blood flow due to blood clots, scars, adhesions, tumors of various etiologies;
- changes in hormonal 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 genitalia in men and women;
- frequent urinary retention;
- systematic delay in ejaculation;
- frequent hot baths, baths, saunas.
Symptoms
In women, varicose veins affect the lips and other parts of the vulva, in men - the penis, scrotum. Depending on the location, the pathology has similar and different symptoms.
The most common include:
- spider veins in the early stages;
- Dilated inguinal veins protruding into the perineum, firm to the touch with altered relief, forming grape plexuses and 3-4 degree nodes of varicose veins;
- bluish complexion;
- itching, burning, pain in the development of congestion;
- feeling of fullness;
- pain on 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, which takes on a chronic character, which disrupts the usual life of a woman and leads to a deterioration of the psycho-emotional state: depression, increased irritability, lack of sleep, neuroses.
- Large, hard, bulky vascular masses that make it difficult to sit and move around.
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord (varicocele) in men are accompanied by:
- asymmetry, prolapse, swelling of the scrotum from the side of the damaged testicle;
- discomfort, burning and pain when walking and the slightest physical exertion;
- deterioration of the quality of intimate life up to impotence and infertility.
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;
- swelling of soft tissues;
- look for hemorrhages and indurations visible under the skin.
What is dangerous
Damage to the organs of the groin can lead to serious complications and negative consequences: the thickening of the blood in the vessels causes thrombosis, phlebitis, sudden bleeding caused by intercourse or straining during bowel movements.
Lips and vulva
If left untreated, the disease progresses, leading to complications:
- Varicothrombophlebitis is one of the forms of thrombophlebitis, which is expressed by the defeat of the superficial vessels of the lower extremities. Gives complications to the deep and main veins, to the pulmonary artery.
- Pelvic thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the superficial and deep veins, which, if pulled out, can be fatal.
As medical practice shows, the development of bleeding with such a pathology occurs rarely, and situations of bursting of an inflamed vein are rare, but possible, especially during childbirth. Therefore, varicose veins of the lips should be treated immediately after diagnosis.
Penis
Varicose veins in the penis and spermatic cord lead to reduced sperm quality and impaired erectile function. The psychological health of the patient also suffers: the altered appearance of virility affects the emotional state, leads to the development of depression and neuroses, up to impotence.
Processing
The basis of treatment for varicose veins is medication and elimination of factors that provoke the development of pathology - good nutrition, sports, alcohol diet, correction of body weight.
Medicines are prescribed systemically in the form of tablets, capsules or locally in the form of ointments, creams. The following groups are prescribed: venotonics (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 blood clotsinflammation and pain, antihistamines for itching, burning, and others.
Pregnant women are advised to wear compression underwear in the form of stockings or tights (with a pocket on the stomach), for men - a special model of underwear to keep the testicles and penis in thegood position.
Among minimally invasive methods, sclerotherapy is recommended - the introduction of special substances into the vessels that stick the damaged areas and blood circulates through healthy veins, as well as laser or radiofrequency ablation, which work on a principlesimilar - seal ships.
Surgical treatment is used 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 pathology, treatment with alternative therapeutic methods is possible: ointments, decoctions of medicinal plants, compresses and baths based on them. Before treating any pathology with alternative therapeutic methods, you should definitely consult your doctor.