In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower limbs are considered “feminine”.This is false.Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower limbs.Data from major statistical studies confirm this.The predominance of a good half of the population in public hospitals only indicates that women are focused on varicose veins, while men are not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist have, in addition to medical, aesthetic goals.For men, they are generally of no interest.
Thus, throughout our country, the “male” form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by a late presentation.As they say, "till 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;
- mismatch between eating habits and real energy costs, leading to obesity;
- smoking;
- heavy physical labor associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports involving weightlifting
Causes of severe forms of varicose veins in men
At the initial stage, the development of varicose veins in men and women is the same.The disease progresses according to the same principles and according to the same stages.The reason for more severe forms of varicose veins when contacting a phlebologist in men is precisely late presentation.As a rule, men do not care about the aesthetic component.There is no pain in varicose veins in the early stages of the disease, therefore most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.As pain and swelling appear, men just as staunchly ignore these symptoms, demonstrating miracles of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is a lack of information.The collapse of the dispensary system and the lack of medical information for the population lead to a low level of literacy among the male population regarding the possible harm associated with varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from turning to a phlebologist in time is the reluctance to wear “female” compression stockings.It is also a consequence of medical illiteracy and is largely the fault of medical personnel rather than the population.
A lack of long-term treatment leads to the fact that when a man turns to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced main varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- trophic ulcer of venous origin
- bleeding from varicose veins
In order to avoid these complications, modern and rapid 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 of blood vessels at the time of treatment is a mandatory component of a consultation with a phlebologist!It is advisable that the ultrasound of the veins be carried out not by a third-party doctor (no matter how qualified), but personally by the phlebologist you contacted.The doctor who agrees to advise you is responsible for both the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angiography in duplex and triplex mode (ultrasound of veins) constitutes the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.This test must therefore be carried out by the doctor who will advise you, treat you or operate on you.Ultrasound of the veins should be performed in a standing position.For patients whose state of health does not allow an ultrasound to be carried out in a vertical position, the examination can be carried out 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, examining, palpating and ultrasound scanning the veins, the phlebologist must write his report, which includes a brief history of the disease, diagnosis and recommendations.It is mandatory to draw up an ultrasound angiography protocol indicating the date of the study.If necessary (complex cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep vein thrombosis), the doctor recommends additional clarifying studies (magnetic resonance venography, radiological angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The examination will take no more than half an hour and you will receive sufficient information about the venous system of your lower limbs.
Consulting a phlebologist is absolutely safe and does not involve any traumatic examinations or procedures.No special preparation required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important for choosing 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 protruding above the skin when standing.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations during varicose veins.
- Pain during varicose veins, especially at the end of the working day.
- Swelling in the legs and feet.The first symptoms are that the elastic of the sock leaves a clearly visible mark and that regular shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or bluish pigmentation).
- Trophic ulcer in the lower third of the leg along the inner surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
For most people, there is now high-quality, modern treatment for varicose veins.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 angiography and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods of treating varicose veins used by specialists:
- Thermoobliteration (laser and radiofrequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment in medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All necessary medical documents are issued (consultation of a phlebologist surgeon, ultrasound CT angiography protocol, discharge summary with recommendations, temporary disability certificate, tax deduction documents).
Many patients have already appreciated the benefits of innovative methods of treating varicose veins.It should be noted that they are all carrier dependent.That is, the success of the 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 diagnosis of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid ultrasound diagnostic certificates), as well as extensive experience in operations on the veins of the lower extremities and thermal (laser, radiofrequency) obliteration of varicose veins.