Varicose veins in men are as common as in women.Deformation of the venous walls and interruption 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 medications, the use of special underwear and surgery are the main methods of combating 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 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 nodules appear visible to the eye.
Among the causes of varicose veins in men are:
- genetic predisposition (a person may inherit weakness of the walls of blood vessels or incompetence of venous valves);
- heavy 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 dependence;
- increased blood viscosity;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- liver pathologies.
The most common causes of venous deformation are obesity and heavy lifting.When extra pounds appear, the vessels become even more compressed and, consequently, the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, in particular the passion for strength sports.
Determining the triggering factors depends on which part of the body the disease appears.For example, with rapid weight loss or due to heredity, varicose veins may appear in the chest or abdomen.
Differences 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 18 years old who face 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;
- 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, then sharply decreases, after which the amount of estrogen increases.Additionally, many women receive 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 extremities and pelvic organs can be affected simultaneously.
Thus, the main reason why men are less likely to suffer from varicose veins is the following: in the female body, the vessels are weaker due to the above-mentioned processes.Furthermore, men have thicker skin, which often does not allow us to perceive the vascular pattern characteristic of incipient varicose veins.
Degrees and symptoms of pathology
The formation of clinical manifestations is determined by the stage of the disease and the location of problem areas.For example, signs of varicose veins in 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, tiredness, swelling.There may be dilated veins in the popliteal fossa or ankle region.Night rest contributes to the disappearance (complete/partial) of the listed symptoms, which is why men do not pay much attention to such changes.
- As you move to stage 2, symptoms become more severe.The condition is accompanied by clearer identification of blood vessels, thinning of the skin, 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 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 to, as the disease progresses they swell, taking 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 have signs of varicose veins:
- in the hands;
- testicles (the so-called varicocele, which occurs in both testicles and in one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- lower part of the rectum;
- in 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 entails loss of working capacity.
Varicocele is a pathology that only develops in men and presents symptoms similar to many other urological disorders:
- pain that increases with movement and during sex;
- a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Varicose veins in the esophagus result in heartburn, shortness of breath, pain and anemia.If there is disease in the stomach or intestine, the signs are detected in later stages when the patient suffers from internal bleeding.
Due to deformation of the vessels in the lower part of the rectum (hemorrhoids), a man suffers a series of unpleasant symptoms (constipation, rectal hemorrhages, painful discomfort, prolapse of nodules).
Protruding veins in the abdominal region 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 dependence.In smokers and alcohol users, the blood becomes more viscous and blood vessels and muscles weaken, which increases the risk of abdominal varicose veins 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 arise.
Depending on the location, varicose veins can cause:
- thrombophlebitis, which increases the patient's likelihood of 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 runs the risk of becoming disabled.In severe cases, death cannot be ruled out.
Drug therapy
In the initial stages, treatment is carried out with drugs from 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;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- thrombolytics in the presence of thrombosis;
- medicines that normalize metabolic processes;
- vitamin complexes.
The list of medications and dosages is selected taking into account the provoking factors, the patient's age group and the type of disease.Therefore, before treatment, a complete diagnosis is carried out using laboratory and instrumental research methods.
Help from traditional medicine
Home remedies help speed up recovery, but it is worth remembering that they are a complement to drug therapy.It is best to use traditional medicine recipes for preventive purposes.
You can combat varicose veins in the following ways:
- 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 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 swollen veins.The duration of treatment is around six months.
- Raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) are crushed, after which the mixture is applied to painful areas of the legs.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 shaken periodically.Dosage – 3 times a day before meals, 30 ml.One 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 medicine 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 implementation does not guarantee the absence of relapses in the future.The success in treating 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 (node excision);
- 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 the patient to be hospitalized.Before discharge, the doctor must list a list of recommendations that must be followed for a complete recovery.
Diet food
The food consumed by the patient is of no small importance.
In order for vessels to remain in normal conditions for longer, the menu must include products that contain:
- 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 (linseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oats).
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 clothing
The use of therapeutic mesh is an opportunity to prevent varicose veins from reforming after surgery.In addition, underwear with compression properties makes it possible to delay the onset of the disease or completely prevent its development.
Similar products are presented in the form of tights, stockings, knee socks and differ in the degree of compression:
- Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 meshes are intended for use at the first symptoms.
- If varicose veins are moderate, you should wear class 2 compression shirt (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 class 4 jersey (above 46 mmHg).
If necessary, a phlebologist will help with choosing the appropriate type of medical underwear.It is also important to first familiarize yourself with the operating conditions of the meshes.
The benefits of ointments and creams for varicose veins
The therapeutic value of such medicines 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 components.
Some phlebologists confidently assert that external medicines are absolutely useless for varicose veins.They state that if the veins are distended, the situation can only be corrected through surgery.
Prevention
If a man is predisposed to varicose veins, he should pay even more attention to preventive measures.In particular, the use of therapeutic mesh will help reduce the risk of vascular deformation.
Staying in a static position for a long time significantly aggravates the situation, which is why it is necessary to take regular breaks to do simple exercises.
The recommendation is especially relevant for office workers who are forced to sit at the computer almost all day.
The list of mandatory rules:
- stop smoking;
- nutritional diet review;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum preservation of a state of calm.
Applying contrast to the legs will be helpful.If you have extra pounds, you should consult a qualified specialist so that weight normalization can be 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 dire consequences if existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help avoid the development of pathologies, and surgical intervention will be required to eliminate a progressive disorder.