Varicose veins in men are as widespread as in women.Deformations of the venous walls and blood flow disorders occur for several 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 seriously suffer.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);
- hard physical work;
- long-term wearing of shoes that cause discomfort in the feet;
- overweight;
- absence or low level of physical activity;
- abuse of unhealthy food;
- nicotine/alcohol addiction;
- increased blood viscosity;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- liver pathologies.
The most common causes of vein deformation are obesity and lifting loads.When excess weight appears, the blood vessels are squeezed even more, so the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, especially a passion for strength sports.
The determination of the triggering factor depends on the part of the body where the disease occurs.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 older than 18 years who face this pathology is 10-20%.This is explained by the peculiarities of the functioning of the hormonal system.
The state of blood vessels in a woman's 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 cyclical changes in the phases of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of progesterone first increases and then sharply decreases, after which 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, while the veins of the lower extremities and pelvic organs can be affected at the same time.
Accordingly, the main reason why men suffer less 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 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, signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities in men intensify as the pathological disorder progresses.
The disease develops as follows:
- The initial phase is characterized by the presence of symptoms that the patient experiences as a consequence of overload - 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 (completely/partially) of the mentioned 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.
- Dilated veins in the last stages in men complement trophic complications - ulcers, inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer, lymphatic edema of venous origin.
Regardless of which part of the body the deformation of blood vessels is observed, as the disease progresses, they swell, take on a tortuous shape.
Types of male varicose veins
The disease can affect not only the veins of the lower extremities.
Representatives of the stronger sex experience signs of varicose veins:
- on the hands;
- testicles (so-called varicocele, which occurs on both testicles and on one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- the lower part of the rectum;
- on the nose (rare localization).
When the blood vessels on the arms begin to deform, most men ignore the changes that are taking place, especially athletes.However, swollen veins with minimal stress should be alarming, because the progression of the disease is fraught with loss of working ability.
Varicocele is a pathology that develops only in men and has symptoms similar to many other urological disorders:
- pain that increases with movement and during sex;
- feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Dilated esophageal veins result in heartburn, shortness of breath, pain, and anemia.If there is a disease in the stomach or intestines, the signs are revealed in the later stages, when the patient suffers from internal bleeding.
Due to the deformation of the vessels of the lower rectum (hemorrhoids), a man suffers from a series of unpleasant symptoms (constipation, rectal bleeding, painful discomfort, prolapse of nodes).
Bulging veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.This will only occur for certain reasons.For example, this type of disorder occurs with alcohol and nicotine addiction.In smokers and alcoholics, the blood is more viscous, and the blood vessels and muscles are weak, which increases the risk of varicose veins on the abdomen in men.
Any type of disease requires timely completion of treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous for men?
If the pathology is ignored, in addition to the pronounced 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;
- bleeding due to rupture of blood vessels;
- infertility;
- mesenteric thrombosis;
- purulent paraproctitis;
- tissue necrosis.
By allowing the disease to progress significantly, a person risks becoming disabled.In severe cases, death cannot be ruled out.
Drug therapy
In the early stages, treatment is carried out with drugs of different groups.
Patients are prescribed to use:
- phlebotonics, strengthening blood vessels and increasing their tone;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood thickness;
- antioxidants that improve the structural parameters of the blood;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- thrombolytics in the presence of thrombosis;
- drugs that normalize metabolic processes;
- vitamin complexes.
The list of drugs and the dose are selected taking into account the triggering 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.
The help of traditional medicine
Home remedies will help speed up recovery, but it is worth remembering that they are in addition to drug therapy.It is best to use traditional medicine recipes for preventive purposes.
You can fight varicose veins in the following way:
- Pour boiling water (1 glass) over hazelnut leaves (1 tablespoon).After 15 minutes, the infusion is ready for use.It is recommended to drink 3-4 cups a day.
- It is useful to eat mummy (150 mg) diluted in warm water (1 tablespoon) twice a day.
- At night, it is recommended to apply sliced green tomatoes on swollen veins.The duration of treatment is about six months.
- Raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) are crushed, after which the mixture is applied to painful areas of the legs.Plastic foil is used on top.Wash off after 4 hours.
- Wild chestnut blossoms (50 g) are poured with vodka (1 l) and infused for a week.The product must be shaken periodically.Dosage – 30 ml 3 times a day before meals.One course lasts 7 days with a break of 5 days.
- 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.True, its use does not guarantee the absence of recurrence in the future.Success in the treatment of varicose veins in men does not depend so much on the actions of the doctor, but on the behavioral habits of the patients themselves.
Modern surgeons eliminate the problem with the help of:
- microstripping (node excision);
- burning of venous nodular formations with steam;
- sclerotherapy (foam, radiofrequency, 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 provide a list of recommendations that must be followed for full recovery.
Diet food
The food that the patient consumes is of no small importance.
In order for the vessels to remain in their normal condition longer, the menu should include products that contain:
- ascorbic acid (reduces swelling, strengthens blood vessel walls);
- plant fibers (useful for good bowel function);
- substances that improve the elasticity of blood vessels (seafood is rich in them).
To prevent the formation of blood clots, consumption of blood thinning products (linseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oatmeal) is recommended.
It is recommended to avoid food that is harmful to the body.Thanks to a well-designed diet, you can forget about vein problems for a long time.
Compression garments
Wearing therapeutic knitwear is an opportunity to avoid the re-formation of varicose veins after surgery.In addition, underwear with compression properties allows you to slow down 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:
- Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 knitting is intended for use at the first symptoms.
- If varicose veins are moderate, you should wear compression class 2 jersey (up to 32 mm Hg).
- In the presence of trophic disorders, it is recommended to use a class 3 product with a compression of 34-46 mm Hg.Art.
- Patients with deep vein thrombosis require a class 4 jersey (over 46 mmHg).
If necessary, the phlebologist will help you choose the appropriate type of medical underwear.It is also important to familiarize yourself with the working conditions of knitwear first.
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 achieve the maximum effect, it is better to use ointments at the first manifestations of the disorder.
Thanks to them:
- fatigue, painful discomfort and swelling disappear;
- blood vessels become stronger;
- small blood clots dissolve;
- the skin is hydrated;
- muscle and vascular tone increases.
The use of the cream is prohibited for 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 stretched, the situation can only be corrected by surgery.
Prevention
If a man has a predisposition to varicose veins, even more attention should be paid to preventive measures.In particular, wearing therapeutic knitwear will help reduce the risk of vascular deformation.
Staying in a static position for a long time significantly worsens the situation, so it is necessary to take regular breaks by doing simple exercises.
The recommendation is especially relevant for office workers who are forced to sit at the computer almost all day.
List of mandatory rules:
- smoking cessation;
- overview of nutritional diet;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum preservation of a peaceful state.
Contrast watering of the legs will be useful.If you are overweight, you should consult a qualified specialist so that weight normalization is carried out using competent methods.
Since the disease is difficult to detect in the initial stage, regular examinations will help to detect problems with blood vessels in time.
Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can lead to dire consequences if existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help to avoid the development of pathology, and surgical intervention will be required to eliminate the progressive disorder.