Pelvic varicose veins: symptoms, causes, treatments and clarified doubts

Pelvic varicose veins are characterized by the dilation of the veins that are around the uterus and ovaries, generating or not symptoms. This condition can sometimes be confused with infections, endometriosis, among other problems. Learn more about its characteristics, causes, treatment options and clarify the main doubts about pelvic varicose veins.

What are pelvic varicose veins?

Maurício Abrão (CRM 52,842), gynecologist at BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, explains that the uterus is a highly vascularized organ, both from the point of view of arterial irrigation (which takes blood to the uterus) and venous drainage. (which carries blood from the uterus).

“Pelvic varicose veins arise when the veins that drain the uterus dilate. This is a reasonably frequent situation”, explains the gynecologist.

Causes

Dilation of the veins can occur due to different factors and the first of them, highlights Abram, is multiparity (the fact of having several children can generate this type of dilation of the veins).

Another important factor, adds the gynecologist, is an individual predisposition that the patient has for such dilation to occur.

There are cases in which pelvic varicose veins appear in the reproductive phase, caused by hormonal factors linked to pregnancy.

Symptoms

Abram explains that the patient may be asymptomatic or may have pain. “And this symptom can be important, namely, a heavy pain in the pelvis,” she says.

Thus, when there are symptoms, the following may occur:

• Pain in the abdominal region as if it were a very strong colic (especially in the lower part of the belly);
• Back pains;
• Discomfort/heaviness;
• Swelling in the abdominal region;
• Tiredness.

This does not mean, however, that all symptoms will manifest. Each case must be evaluated on its own terms.

A woman should not hesitate to see a doctor when she has this major pain in the abdominal area. “From there, a differential diagnosis should be made in relation to other causes of pelvic pain, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, infections, among other problems”, comments gynecologist Abrão.

A sign that can help to differentiate pain from pelvic varicose veins from other pain in the abdominal region is the fact that a woman feels more pain when she stands for a longer period of time (working for hours, for example). That’s because, with this gravity acting, the veins are “filling” more and dilating, causing pain. In these cases, consequently, if the woman lies down and rests for about 20 minutes, the pain tends to decrease – this being a strong indication that the discomfort comes from pelvic varicose veins and not from other diseases.

treatments

As therapeutic alternatives, highlights Abram, there are clinical treatments, sometimes with medications that are used for varicose veins and that can eventually be used for pelvic varices as well. “The answer, however, is not always very good, it depends on each case”, he comments.

“The patient can also use analgesic medication to relieve pain. And, sometimes, the conduct can even be more radical, with the removal of the uterus, as in the case of a patient who already has offspring, for example”, adds Abrão.

Doctor answers main questions about pelvic varicose veins

There are doubts, for example, about the severity of the problem and whether or not there is a link between pelvic varicose veins and pregnancy. See below for clarification on the main questions:

How is pelvic varicose veins diagnosed?

“The diagnosis can be clinical (through a good questioning that the doctor asks the patient). Physical examination does not always show accurate information. Imaging methods can help a lot… Doppler ultrasound can be used, which evaluates the vessels (generally transvaginal ultrasound), in association with another imaging method, such as, for example, magnetic resonance imaging”, answers Abrão.

Who has pelvic varicose veins can take birth control?

“The relationship between pelvic varicose veins and birth control is different from the relationship between varicose veins in the lower limbs and birth control. In the case of pelvic varicose veins, there is no major contraindication”, explains the gynecologist.

Pelvic Varicose Veins Cause Infertility?

“They don’t have a clear link to infertility,” says Abram.

Are there risks of pelvic varicose veins in pregnancy?

“In pregnancy, it is very difficult to ligate these vessels, because they tend to be more dilated during pregnancy; and obviously the ligation is much more risky and unnecessary”, explains the gynecologist.

Are there risks of pelvic varicose veins in childbirth?

“What can happen for those who have pelvic varicose veins is to have more bleeding during childbirth, especially cesarean delivery”, comments Abrão.

What is the connection of pelvic varices with IUD?

There is no direct relationship. “It is known, however, that the copper intrauterine device usually generates a little more cramping. So, for the patient who joins this colic with the colic of pelvic varicose veins, the pain and discomfort can be more intense”, explains the gynecologist.

Are pelvic varicose veins a serious condition?

No, according to the gynecologist. “There are situations of more advanced cadres that can generate a slightly more radical behavior, but this is not the most frequent”, concludes Abrão.

In any case, when noticing symptoms such as pain in the belly, the woman should not hesitate to seek medical help so that the professional can make the proper diagnosis and treat the cause of the problem. Enjoy and learn more about endometriosis.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.