Varicose veins in men are as common as in women.Deformation of venous walls and disruption of blood flow occur for a number of reasons, for example, blood vessels suffer due to increased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle.If left untreated for a long time, varicose veins in men can lead to complications, which once again confirms the need for a timely preventive medical examination.The use of drugs, wearing special underwear and surgery are the main methods of combating the pathology.
Causes of varicose veins in men
Doctors constantly remind their patients: if you ignore the influence of certain negative factors, men's health will suffer seriously.In particular, varicose veins can occur due to problems with blood vessels, which is the answer to the question of whether such a disease as varicose veins occurs in men.
Phlebologists explain in detail why the vascular walls of the stronger half of humanity become thinner and venous nodes become visible to the eye.
Among the causes of varicose veins in men are:
- genetic predisposition (a person may inherit weakness of blood vessel walls or incompetence of venous valves);
- heavy physical labor;
- prolonged wearing of shoes that cause discomfort in the feet;
- overweight;
- lack or low level of physical activity;
- abuse of junk food;
- nicotine/alcohol addiction;
- increased blood viscosity;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- liver pathologies.
The most common causes of vein deformity are obesity and heavy lifting.When extra pounds appear, the vessels are compressed even more and the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, in particular the passion for strength sports.
Determining the provoking factors depends on which part of the body the disease occurs in.For example, with rapid weight loss or due to heredity, varicose veins can appear on the chest or abdomen.
Differences between female and male varicose veins
According to statistics, the occurrence of blood stagnation in the veins with the subsequent development of varicose veins is more common in women (about 40% of cases).
The number of male patients over the age of 18 who have to deal with this pathology is 10-20%.This is explained by the peculiarities of the functioning of the hormonal system.
The condition of the blood vessels in the female body largely depends on the level of estrogen and progesterone.
With increased secretion of one of the hormones:
- blood vessels dilate;
- blood viscosity increases;
- the risk of thrombosis increases.
Hormonal changes especially affect blood vessels during pregnancy and menopause.With cyclic changes in the phases of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of progesterone first increases, then sharply decreases, then the amount of estrogen increases.In addition, many women are prescribed hormone replacement therapy.
In almost 90% of cases, the appearance of varicose veins in women is associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and the veins of the lower limbs and pelvic organs can be affected at the same time.
Accordingly, the main reason why men less often suffer from varicose veins is the following: in the female body, the vessels are weaker due to the above-mentioned processes.In addition, men have thicker skin, which often does not allow the vascular pattern characteristic of incipient varicose veins to be seen.
Degrees and symptoms of pathology
The formation of clinical manifestations is determined by the stage of the disease and the location of the problem areas.For example, the signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities in men increase with the progression of the pathological disorder.
The disease develops as follows:
- The initial phase is characterized by the presence of symptoms that the patient perceives as a consequence of overwork - heaviness in the legs, fatigue, swelling.There may be varicose veins in the popliteal fossa or in the ankle area.Night rest contributes to the disappearance (complete/partial) of the listed symptoms, so men do not pay much attention to such changes.
- When moving to stage 2, symptoms become more severe.The condition is accompanied by a clearer identification of blood vessels, thinning of the skin, the appearance of dark brown spots, swelling, night cramps, as well as dermatological disorders in the form of rashes and itching.Painful sensations occur both during movement and during rest.
- Varicose veins in the last stages in men are supplemented by trophic complications - ulcers, inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer, lymphatic edema of venous origin.
Regardless of which part of the body the deformation of the vessels is observed, as the disease progresses, they swell, acquiring a curved shape.
Types of male varicose veins
The disease can affect not only the veins of the lower limbs.
Representatives of the stronger sex experience signs of varicose veins:
- on the hands;
- testicles (the so-called varicocele, which occurs both on both testicles and on one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- the lower part of the rectum;
- on the nose (rare location).
When the vessels of the hands begin to deform, most men ignore the changes occurring, especially athletes.However, swollen veins with minimal stress should be alarming, because the progression of the disease is fraught with loss of working capacity.
Varicocele is a pathology that develops only in men and has symptoms similar to many other urological diseases:
- pain that increases with movement and during sex;
- feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Varicose veins of the esophagus lead to heartburn, shortness of breath, pain and anemia.If there is a disease of the stomach or intestines, the signs are detected in the later stages when the patient suffers from internal bleeding.
Due to deformation of the vessels of the lower part of the rectum (hemorrhoids), the man suffers from a number of unpleasant symptoms (constipation, rectal hemorrhages, painful discomfort, prolapse of nodes).
Bulging veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.It will only occur for certain reasons.For example, this type of disorder occurs with alcohol and nicotine addiction.In smokers and alcohol abusers, the blood is more viscous and the blood vessels and muscles weaken, increasing the risk of varicose veins on the abdomen in men.
Any type of illness requires timely completion of a course of treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous for men?
If the pathology is neglected, in addition to the expressed symptoms, various complications may appear.
Depending on the location, varicose veins can lead to:
- thrombophlebitis, which increases the probability of the patient's death;
- venous ulcers;
- hemorrhages due to rupture of blood vessels;
- infertility;
- mesenteric thrombosis;
- purulent paraproctitis;
- tissue necrosis.
By allowing the disease to progress significantly, a person risks remaining disabled.In severe cases, death cannot be ruled out.
Drug therapy
In the early stages, treatment is carried out with drugs from different groups.
Patients are prescribed the use of:
- phlebotonics, strengthening blood vessels and increasing their tone;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood density;
- antioxidants that improve the structural parameters of the blood;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- thrombolytics in the presence of thrombosis;
- drugs that normalize metabolic processes;
- vitamin complexes.
The list of drugs and doses are selected taking into account the provoking factors, the age category of the patient and the type of disease.Therefore, before treatment, a thorough diagnosis is carried out using laboratory and instrumental research methods.
Help from traditional medicine
Home remedies will help speed up recovery, but it's worth remembering that they are a supplement to drug therapy.It is best to use recipes from traditional medicine for preventive purposes.
You can fight varicose veins in the following way:
- Pour boiling water (1 cup) over hazelnut leaves (1 tablespoon).After 15 minutes, the infusion is ready for use.It is recommended to drink 3-4 glasses a day.
- It is useful to eat mumio (150 mg) diluted in warm water (1 tablespoon) twice a day.
- At night, it is recommended to apply sliced green tomatoes on the swollen veins.The duration of treatment is about six months.
- Raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) are crushed, then the mixture is smeared on the sore areas of the legs.A plastic film is used on top.Wash off after 4 hours.
- Horse chestnut inflorescences (50 g) are poured with vodka (1 l) and infused for a week.The product must be periodically shaken.Dosage - 3 times a day before meals, 30 ml.One course lasts 7 days with a 5-day break.
- Mix grated garlic (250 g) and honey (350 g).After a one-week infusion, the drug is taken in doses of 15 g for 1-2 months.
Traditional therapy is effective for initial symptoms.If the disease progresses significantly, it will be useless.
Surgical intervention
According to phlebologists, the only way to get rid of varicose veins is surgery.It is true that its application does not guarantee the absence of relapses in the future.Success in the treatment of varicose veins in men depends not so much on the actions of doctors as on the behavioral habits of the patients themselves.
Modern surgeons fix the problem with the help of:
- microstripping (nodule cutting);
- burning of venous nodular formations with steam;
- sclerotherapy (foam, radio frequency, laser).
A positive aspect of using surgical methods is the fact that the operation often does not require hospitalization of the patient.Before discharge, the doctor must specify a list of recommendations that must be followed for full recovery.
Diet food
No less important is the food that the patient takes.
In order for the vessels to remain in normal condition longer, the menu should include products containing:
- ascorbic acid (reduces swelling, strengthens vascular walls);
- vegetable fiber (useful for good intestinal function);
- substances that improve the elasticity of blood vessels (seafood is rich in them).
To prevent the formation of blood clots, it is recommended to consume blood thinning products (linseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oatmeal).
It is recommended to avoid foods that are harmful to the body.Thanks to a well-developed diet, you can forget about vein problems for a long time.
Compression garments
Wearing therapeutic hosiery is an opportunity to avoid the recurrence of varicose veins after surgery.In addition, underwear with compression properties allows you to delay the onset of the disease or completely avoid its development.
Similar products are presented in the form of tights, socks, knee socks and differ in the degree of compression:
- Preventive underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 knits are intended for use at the first symptoms.
- If varicose veins are moderate, you should wear compression class 2 (up to 32 mm Hg) hosiery.
- In the presence of trophic disorders, it is recommended to use class 3 products with a compression of 34-46 mm Hg.Art.
- Patients with deep vein thrombosis require class 4 hosiery (above 46 mmHg).
If necessary, the phlebologist will help you choose the right type of medical underwear.It is also important to familiarize yourself with the working conditions of knitwear first.
The benefits of ointments and creams for varicose veins
The therapeutic value of such drugs is determined by the substances they contain.Therefore, before using an external medicine, you should consult a doctor.
To get the maximum effect, it is better to use ointments at the first manifestations of the disease.
Thanks to them:
- fatigue, painful discomfort and swelling disappear;
- blood vessels become stronger;
- small blood clots dissolve;
- the skin is moisturized;
- muscle and vascular tone increases.
The use of the cream is prohibited in patients with:
- trophic ulcers, open skin lesions;
- individual intolerance to the components.
Some phlebologists confidently say that external drugs are absolutely useless for varicose veins.They claim that if the veins are distended, the situation can only be corrected by surgery.
Prevention
If a person has a predisposition to varicose veins, he should pay even more attention to preventive measures.In particular, wearing therapeutic hosiery will help reduce the risk of vascular deformity.
Staying in a static position for a long time significantly worsens the situation, so you should take regular breaks by doing simple exercises.
The recommendation is especially relevant for office workers who are forced to sit in front of the computer almost all day.
List of mandatory rules:
- giving up smoking;
- nutritional diet review;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum preservation of a calm state.
Contrast dousing the legs will be useful.If you are overweight, you should consult a qualified specialist to carry out weight normalization using competent methods.
Since the disease is difficult to detect in the initial stage, regular examinations will help detect problems with blood vessels in time.
Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can also lead to severe consequences if existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help to avoid the development of pathology, and surgical intervention will be necessary to eliminate the progressive disorder.