Varicose veins in men are as common as in women.Deformation of the vein walls and disruption of blood flow occurs for a number of reasons, for example, blood vessels suffer due to increased physical activity and 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 medications, the use of 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 some negative factors, men's health will be seriously affected.In particular, varicose veins can occur due to problems with blood vessels, which is the answer to the question of whether a disease such 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 appear visible to the eye.
Among the causes of varicose veins in men are:
- genetic predisposition (a person can inherit weakness of the walls of blood vessels or incompetence of venous valves);
- hard physical work;
- prolonged use of shoes that cause discomfort in the feet;
- overweight;
- absence or low level of physical activity;
- junk food abuse;
- nicotine/alcohol addiction;
- increased blood viscosity;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- liver diseases.
The most common causes of vein deformation are obesity and heavy lifting.When extra pounds appear, the vessels are compressed even more, and as a result, the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, especially a passion for strength sports.
Determining the triggers depends on the part of the body where the disease occurs.For example, in cases of rapid weight loss or for hereditary reasons, varicose veins may appear on the chest or abdomen.
Differences between female and male varicose veins
According to statistics, the appearance of blood stagnation in the veins resulting in the development of varicose veins is more common in women (about 40% of cases).
The percentage of male patients over 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 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;
- increases blood viscosity;
- increases the risk of thrombosis.
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 decreases sharply, after which the amount of estrogen increases.Additionally, 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 simultaneously.
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 processes mentioned above.In addition, men have thicker skin, which often does not allow the vascular pattern characteristic of incipient varicose veins to be noticed.
Degrees and symptoms of the pathology
The formation of clinical manifestations is determined by the stage of the disease and the localization of problem areas.For example, the 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 perceives as consequences of overwork: heaviness in the legs, fatigue, swelling.Dilated veins may be present in the popliteal fossa or ankle area.Night rest contributes to the disappearance (total/partial) of the listed symptoms, which is why men do not pay much attention to these changes.
- When you move to stage 2, the symptoms become more severe.The condition is accompanied by clearer identification of blood vessels, thinning of the skin, the appearance of dark brown spots, swelling, night cramps and 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 complemented 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 traced, as the disease progresses they swell, acquiring 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 (the so-called varicocele, which occurs on both testicles and on only one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- lower part of the rectum;
- to the nose (rare location).
When the vessels in the arms begin to deform, most men ignore the changes that are occurring, especially athletes.However, swollen veins with minimal stress should be alarming, since 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 disorders:
- pain that increases with movement and during sex;
- a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Varicose veins of the esophagus cause 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 the deformation of the vessels of the lower rectum (hemorrhoids), a man suffers from a number of unpleasant symptoms (constipation, rectal hemorrhages, painful discomfort, prolapse of the nodes).
Protruding veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.It will arise only due to 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 weaken, which increases the risk of varicose veins on the abdomen in men.
Any type of disease requires timely completion of a course of treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous for men?
If the pathology is neglected, in addition to pronounced symptoms, various complications may appear.
Depending on the location, varicose veins can lead to:
- thrombophlebitis, which increases the likelihood of patient 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 man risks becoming disabled.In severe cases, death cannot be ruled out.
Drug therapy
In the initial stages, treatment is carried out with drugs from various groups.
Patients are prescribed the use:
- phlebotonics, strengthening blood vessels and increasing their tone;
- anticoagulants that reduce the thickness of the blood;
- 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 dosages is selected taking into account 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 is worth remembering that they are an addition to drug therapy.It is better to use recipes of traditional medicine for preventive purposes.
You can fight varicose veins in the following way:
- Pour boiling water (1 glass) over the hazelnut leaves (1 tablespoon).After 15 minutes the infusion is ready for use.It is recommended to drink 3-4 cups a day.
- Twice a day it is useful to eat mumiyo (150 mg) diluted in warm water (1 tablespoon).
- At night, it is recommended to apply sliced green tomatoes to the swollen veins.The duration of treatment is approximately six months.
- Raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) are crushed, after which the mixture is applied to the painful areas of the legs.Plastic film is used on top.Wash after 4 hours.
- Horse chestnut inflorescences (50 g) are poured with vodka (1 l) and infused for a week.The product must be shaken periodically.Dosage – 3 times a day before meals, 30 ml.A course lasts 7 days with a 5 day break.
- Mix the grated garlic (250 g) and honey (350 g).After a week of 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.
Surgery
According to phlebologists, the only way to get rid of varicose veins is surgery.True, its implementation does not guarantee the absence of repercussions in the future.Success in the treatment of varicose veins in men depends not so much on the actions of doctors, but on the behavioral habits of the patients themselves.
Modern surgeons eliminate the problem with the help of:
- microstripping (excision of nodes);
- burn 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 list a list of recommendations that must be followed for a complete recovery.
Dietary food
The food consumed by the patient is of no small importance.
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 fibers (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 (flaxseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oatmeal).
It is advisable to avoid foods that are 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 reformation of varicose veins after surgery.In addition, underwear with compressive 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, stockings, knee-highs and differ in the degree of compression:
- Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 knitwear is intended for use at the first symptoms.
- If your varicose veins are moderate, you should wear a compression class 2 shirt (up to 32 mm Hg).
- In the presence of trophic disorders it is recommended to use class 3 products with compression of 34-46 mm Hg.Art.
- Patients with deep vein thrombosis require jersey class 4 (over 46 mmHg).
If necessary, a phlebologist will help choose the appropriate type of medical underwear.It is also important to familiarize yourself with the operating 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 remedy, you should consult a doctor.
To achieve maximum effect it is best 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 with surgery.
Prevention
If a man has a predisposition to varicose veins, he should pay even more attention 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 aggravates the situation, so it is necessary to take regular breaks by performing simple exercises.
The recommendation is particularly relevant for office workers who are forced to sit at the computer almost all day.
The list of mandatory standards:
- quit smoking;
- review of nutritional diet;
- frequent walks in the open air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum preservation of a calm state.
It will be useful to bathe the legs with contrast.If you have extra pounds, 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 early stage, regular examinations will help detect blood vessel problems in time.
Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can also lead to disastrous consequences if existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help avoid the development of pathology, and surgical intervention will be necessary to eliminate a progressive disorder.