Varicose veins in men are as widespread as in women.Modification of the vein wall and disruption of blood flow occurs for several reasons, for example, blood vessels suffer from 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 timely preventive medical examinations.The use of drugs, wearing underwear and special surgery are the main methods of combating pathology.
Causes of varicose veins in men
Doctors always 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 a disease like varicose veins occurs in men.
Phlebologists explain in detail why the stronger half-human vascular walls become thinner nodes and veins are visible to the eye.
Among the causes of varicose veins in men are:
- Genetic predisposition (a person can inherit weakness of blood vessel walls or incompetence of venous valves);
- hard physical labor;
- Prolonged wearing of shoes that cause discomfort in the feet;
- overweight;
- absence or low level of physical activity;
- abuse of junk food;
- nicotine/alcohol addiction;
- increased blood viscosity;
- cardiovascular disease;
- liver pathology.
The main cause of vein deformation is obesity and heavy lifting.When extra pounds appear, the vessels are compressed more, and thus, the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same goes for excessive physical activity, in particular, enthusiasm for strength sports.
Determining the trigger factor depends on which part of the disease the disease appears.For example, with rapid weight loss or due to heredity, varicose veins may appear on the chest or abdomen.
The difference between female and male varicose veins
According to statistics, the appearance 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 unique function 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;
- Increased 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.In addition, many women are prescribed hormone replacement therapy.
In almost 90% of cases, the occurrence of varicose veins in women is associated with pregnancy and childbirth, while the veins of the lower legs and pelvic organs can be affected simultaneously.
Therefore, the main reason why men are less likely to develop varicose veins is as follows: In the female body, the vessels are weaker due to the process mentioned above.In addition, men have thicker skin, which often does not allow one to see the characteristic vascular pattern of new varicose veins.
Degree and symptoms of pathology
The formation of clinical manifestations is determined by the stage of the disease and the location of the problem area.For example, the signs of varicose veins from the lower legs in men increase as the pathological disorder progresses.
The disease develops as follows:
- The initial phase is characterized by the presence of symptoms that the patient considers to be the result of hard work - heaviness in the legs, fatigue, swelling.There may be enlarged veins in the popliteal fossa or in the ankle area.Night rest contributes to the disappearance (full/partial) of the listed symptoms, so men do not pay attention to such changes.
- When moving to stage 2, symptoms become worse.This 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 during movement and at rest.
- Varicose veins in the last stage in men are accompanied 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 detected, as the disease progresses, they swell, acquiring an inconvenient shape.
Types of varicose veins in men
This disease can affect not only the lower leg veins.
Representatives of stronger sex experience signs of varicose veins:
- in hand;
- testicles (the so-called varicocele, which occurs on both testicles and one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- lower part of the rectum;
- on the nose (rare localization).
When the vessels in the hand begin to change, most men ignore the changes that occur, especially athletes.However, swollen veins with minimal pressure should be alarming, because the development of this disease is fraught with loss of ability to work.
Varicocele is a pathology that only develops 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.
Esophageal varicose veins cause heartburn, shortness of breath, pain, and anemia.If there is a disease in the stomach or intestines, the signs are detected at a later stage, when the patient has internal bleeding.
Due to the deformation of the lower rectal vessels (hemorrhoids), a man experiences several unpleasant symptoms (constipation, rectal bleeding, painful discomfort, node prolapse).
Prominent veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.It will arise only because of certain reasons.For example, this type of disorder occurs with alcohol and nicotine addiction.In smokers and alcoholics, blood is more viscous, and blood vessels and muscles weaken, which increases the risk of varicose veins on the abdomen in men.
Any type of disease requires a timely course of treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous for men?
If the pathology is neglected, in addition to the mentioned symptoms, various complications may appear.
Depending on the location, varicose veins can lead to:
- Thrombophlebitis, which increases the possibility of patient death;
- venous ulcers;
- bleeding due to blood vessel rupture;
- 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 stage, treatment is carried out with drugs of various groups.
Patients are prescribed to use:
- Phlebotonics, strengthening blood vessels and increasing their tone;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood thickness;
- antioxidants that improve structural blood parameters;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Thrombolytics in the presence of thrombosis;
- drugs that normalize metabolic processes;
- vitamin complex.
The list of drugs and dosages are selected taking into account the provoking factors, the age category of the patient and the type of disease.Therefore, before treatment, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out using laboratory and instrumental research methods.
Help from traditional medicine
Home remedies will help speed up recovery, but keep in mind that they are an addition to drug therapy.It is better to use traditional medicine recipes for preventive purposes.
You can fight varicose veins in the following ways:
- Pour boiling water (1 glass) over the hazel leaves (1 spoon).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) dissolved in warm water (1 spoon).
- At night, it is recommended to apply green tomatoes cut into slices to 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 the leg pain area.Plastic film is used on top.Wash after 4 hours.
- Horse chestnut content (50 g) is poured with vodka (1 L) and infused for a week.The product must be shaken periodically.Dose - 3 times a day before meals, 30 ml.A course lasts 7 days with a 5-day break.
- Mix grated garlic (250 g) and honey (350 g).After a week's infusion, the drug is taken in a dose of 15 g for 1-2 months.
Traditional therapy is effective for early 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 implementation does not guarantee the absence of relapse in the future.Success in the treatment of varicose veins in men is not so much on the doctor's actions, but on the patient's own behavioral habits.
Modern surgeons eliminate the problem with the help of:
- microstripping (excision of nodes);
- burn nodular formations of veins with steam;
- Sclerotherapy (foam, radiofrequency, laser).
The positive aspect of using the surgical method 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 full recovery.
Diet food
The food consumed by the patient is not so important.
In order for the vessel to remain in normal condition longer, the menu should include products that contain:
- ascorbic acid (reduces swelling, strengthens vascular walls);
- plant fiber (useful for good bowel function);
- Substances that increase the elasticity of blood vessels (seafood is rich in them).
To prevent blood clots, it is recommended to take blood thinning products (linseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oatmeal).
It is advised to avoid foods that are harmful to the body.Thanks to a well-designed diet, you can forget about problems with veins for a long time.
Compression garments
Wearing therapeutic knitwear is an opportunity to prevent the re-formation of varicose veins after surgery.In addition, pants with compression properties allow you to delay the onset of the disease or prevent its development completely.
Similar products are presented in the form of tights, stockings, knee socks, and they differ in the degree of compression:
- Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator-18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 dressings are intended for use at the first symptom.
- If the 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 Class 3 products with a compression of 34-46 mm Hg.Art.
- Patients with deep vein thrombosis require a class 4 jersey (over 46 mmHg).
If necessary, a phlebologist will help choose the appropriate type of medical underwear.It is also important to first familiarize yourself with the operating conditions of knitwear.
Benefits of ointments and creams for varicose veins
The therapeutic value of these drugs is determined by the ingredients they contain.Therefore, before using external drugs, you should consult a doctor.
To get the maximum effect, it is better to use the ointment at the first manifestation of the disorder.
Thanks to them:
- fatigue, painful discomfort and swelling disappear;
- Blood vessels become stronger;
- Small blood clots are dissolved;
- The skin is moisturized;
- Muscle and vascular tone increases.
The use of the cream is prohibited for patients with:
- trophic ulcers, open skin wounds;
- Individual intolerance to components.
Some phlebologists confidently say that external drugs are completely useless for varicose veins.They claim that if the vein is stretched, the condition can only be corrected through surgery.
Prevention
If a man has a tendency to varicose veins, he should pay 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 condition, so you need to take breaks regularly doing simple exercises.
This suggestion is especially relevant for office workers who have to sit at the computer most of the day.
List of mandatory rules:
- stop smoking;
- Nutritional diet studies;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum maintenance of a calm state.
Instead, the legs will come in handy.If you have extra pounds, you should consult a qualified specialist so that weight normalization is carried out using a competent method.
Since this disease is difficult to detect in the early stages, regular examinations will help detect problems with blood vessels in time.
Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can also cause serious consequences if the symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help prevent the development of pathology, and surgical intervention is required to eliminate progressive disorders.