Varicose veins in men are as widespread as in women.Deformation of the 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 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 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 the 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 diseases;
- liver pathologies.
The most common causes of vein deformation are obesity and heavy lifting.When extra pounds appear, the vessels are compressed even more, and accordingly, the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, in particular, passion for strength sports.
Determining the triggering factors depends on which part of the body the disease appears in.For example, with rapid weight loss or due to heredity, 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 with the subsequent development of varicose veins is more common in women (about 40% of cases).
The number of male patients over 18 years of age 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;
- 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.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 extremities and pelvic organs can be simultaneously affected.
Accordingly, the main reason that 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.In addition, men have thicker skin, which often does not allow one to notice 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 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 perceives as the consequences of overwork - 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 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 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 one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- lower part of the rectum;
- on the nose (rare localization).
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 ability to work.
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 result in heartburn, shortness of breath, pain, and anemia.If there is a disease in the stomach or intestines, signs are detected in later stages, when the patient suffers from internal bleeding.
Due to 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 nodes).
Protruding veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.It will arise only due to certain reasons.For example, this kind 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, which increases the risk of varicose veins on the abdomen in men.
Any type of disease requires timely completion of a treatment course.
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 early stages, 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;
- medications that normalize metabolic processes;
- vitamin complexes.
The list of medications and dosages are 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 best to use traditional medicine recipes for preventive purposes.
You can fight varicose veins in the following way:
- Pour boiling water (1 glass) over hazel leaves (1 tablespoon). After 15 minutes, the infusion is ready for use.It is recommended to drink 3-4 cups per 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 green tomatoes cut into slices to the 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 sore 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 grated garlic (250 g) and honey (350 g).After a week's infusion, the drug is taken in 15 g doses 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 implementation 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, but on the behavioral habits of the patients themselves.
Modern surgeons eliminate the problem with the help of:
- microstripping (excision of nodes);
- burning out 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 full recovery.
Diet 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);
- plant fibers (useful for good intestinal function);
- substances that improve the elasticity of blood vessels (seafood is rich in them).
To prevent 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 problems with veins 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, stockings, knee socks, and they 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 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 compression of 34-46 mm Hg.Art.
- Patients with deep vein thrombosis need class 4 jersey (over 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 knitwear.
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 obtain the maximum effect, it is better to use ointments at the first manifestations of the disorder.
Thanks to them:
- fatigue, painful discomfort and swelling go away;
- blood vessels become stronger;
- small blood clots dissolve;
- the skin is moisturized;
- 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 say that external medications are absolutely useless for varicose veins.They claim that if the veins are stretched, the situation can only be corrected through 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 you need to take regular breaks doing simple exercises.
The recommendation is especially relevant for office workers who are forced to sit at a computer almost all day.
The list of mandatory rules:
- quitting smoking;
- review of nutritional diet;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum preservation of a calm state.
Contrast dousing of the legs will be useful.If you have extra pounds, you should consult with a qualified specialist so that weight normalization is carried out using competent methods.
Since the disease is difficult to detect at 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 also lead to dire consequences if the existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help to avoid the development of pathology, and surgical intervention will be required to eliminate a progressive disorder.