For most people, varicose veins mean only a pathology of the lower extremities. However, problems with blood vessels can develop anywhere on the body, and the intimate places of men and women are no exception. Varicose veins on the lips and other organs of the vulva, penis, and testicles (varicocele) are especially troublesome.
Causes
The main factor in the development of pathology is a genetically determined weakness of the vascular wall, in which the veins lose their tone and elasticity. Additional causes that provoke 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 the outflow of venous blood 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 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 lips and other parts of the vulva, in men - the penis, scrotum. Depending on the location, the pathology presents 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 an altered relief, forming grape plexus and nodules at 3-4 degrees of varicose veins;
- bluish skin tone;
- itching, burning, pain in the development of congestion;
- feeling of fullness;
- pain during intimate contact, going to the bathroom, physical exertion.
With varicose veins of the lips and vulva, there are also:
- Pain radiating to the lower back or hip, which acquires a chronic character, which disrupts the usual life of the woman and leads to a deterioration of the psycho-emotional state: depression, increased irritability, lack of sleep, neurosis.
- Large, hard 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 the least physical effort;
- 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;
- soft tissue swelling;
- point out bleeding and visible indurations under the skin.
That is dangerous
Damage to the groin organs can cause serious complications and negative consequences: thickening of the blood in the vessels causes thrombosis, phlebitis, sudden bleeding caused by sexual 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. It gives complications to the main and deep veins, pulmonary artery.
- Pelvic thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the superficial and deep veins that, if torn out, can be fatal.
As medical practice shows, the development of bleeding with such a pathology rarely occurs, and situations in which an inflamed vein bursts are rare, but possible, especially during childbirth, therefore, varicose veins of the lips should be treated. immediately after the diagnosis is made.
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: the altered appearance 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 medication and the elimination of factors that provoke the development of pathology: proper nutrition, sports, drinking regime, 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: venotonics (phleboprotectors) to strengthen the vascular wall, increase the tone and elasticity of the veins, relieve edema and lymphatic congestion, antiplatelet agents for the reabsorption of blood clots, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain, antihistamines against itching, burning, and others.
Pregnant women are recommended 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 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 together and the blood moves through healthy veins, as well as laser or radiofrequency ablation, which act on a principle similarly, they seal the affected one. boat.
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 pathology, treatment with alternative therapy methods is possible: ointments, decoctions of medicinal plants, compresses and baths based on them. Before treating the pathology with alternative therapy methods, you should definitely consult your doctor.