Varicose veins in men are as common as in women.Deformation of vein walls and disruption of blood flow occurs 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, wearing special underwear and surgery are the main methods of combating pathology.
Causes of varicose veins in men
Doctors constantly remind their patients: if the influence of certain negative factors is ignored, 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 why venous nodes appear visible to the eye.
Among the causes of varicose veins in men are:
- genetic predisposition (a person may inherit weakness in the walls of blood vessels or incompetence of venous valves);
- heavy physical labor;
- prolonged wearing of shoes causing discomfort to the feet;
- overweight;
- absence or low level of physical activity;
- abuse of junk food;
- nicotine/alcohol dependence;
- increased blood viscosity;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- liver pathologies.
The most common causes of venous deformity are obesity and lifting heavy objects.When extra pounds appear, the vessels are compressed even more and, as a result, the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same goes for excessive physical activity, especially passion for strength sports.
Determining the triggering factors depends on the part of the body in which the disease appears.For example, in case of 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 stagnation of blood in the veins followed by the development of varicose veins is more common in women (about 40% of cases).
The number of male patients over 18 years old facing this pathology is 10 to 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 particularly 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 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 simultaneously affected.
Therefore, the main reason why men are less likely to suffer from varicose veins is: in the female body, the vessels are weaker due to the processes mentioned above.In addition, men have thicker skin, which often makes it impossible to notice the vascular pattern characteristic of emerging varicose veins.
Degrees and symptoms of pathology
The formation of clinical manifestations is determined by the stage of the disease and the localization of problem areas.For example, signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities in men intensify as the pathological disorder progresses.
The disease progresses 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 ankle area.Night rest contributes to the disappearance (complete/partial) of the listed symptoms, so men do not pay much attention to these changes.
- As you progress to stage 2, symptoms become more severe.The pathology 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 later stages in men are supplemented by trophic complications - ulcers, inflammation of the subcutaneous fatty 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 and acquire 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:
- on the hands;
- testicles (the so-called varicocele, which occurs both on the testicles and on one);
- internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
- lower part of the rectum;
- on the nose (rare location).
When the vessels in the arms begin to deform, most men are unaware of the changes that are occurring, especially athletes.However, swollen veins with minimal stress should be alarming, since progression of the disease leads to 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 sexual intercourse;
- a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Esophageal varicose veins cause heartburn, shortness of breath, pain and anemia.In cases of stomach or intestinal disease, 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, lymph node prolapse).
Protruding veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.This will only happen for certain reasons.For example, this type of disorder occurs in cases of 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 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 patient's risk 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 risks becoming disabled.In severe cases, death cannot be excluded.
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 dosages are selected taking into account the 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 of traditional medicine
Home remedies will help speed up healing, but it is worth remembering that they are a complement to drug treatment.It is better to use traditional medicine recipes for preventive purposes.
You can fight against varicose veins in the following ways:
- 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 to 4 cups per day.
- Twice a day it is useful to eat mumiyo (150 mg) diluted in warm water (1 tablespoon).
- In the evening, it is recommended to apply sliced green tomatoes to 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 painful areas of the legs.A 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 should be shaken periodically.Dosage – 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 of infusion, the drug is taken in doses of 15 g for 1-2 months.
Traditional therapy is effective for the first symptoms.If the disease progresses significantly, it will be of no use.
Surgery
According to phlebologists, the only way to get rid of varicose veins is surgery.Certainly, its implementation does not guarantee the absence of relapses in the future.The success of the treatment of varicose veins in men depends not so much on the actions of doctors as on the behavioral habits of the patients themselves.
Modern surgeons eliminate the problem using:
- microstriping (knot 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 hospitalization of the patient.Before discharge, the doctor must make a list of recommendations to follow for a complete recovery.
Diet foods
The food consumed by the patient is not negligible.
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 functioning);
- 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 anticoagulant products (linseed 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 venous problems for a long time.
Compression clothing
Wearing therapeutic knitwear is an opportunity to avoid the reformation of varicose veins after surgery.In addition, underwear with compression properties helps slow the onset of the disease or completely avoid its development.
Similar products are presented in the form of tights, stockings, knee-highs, and they differ in the degree of compression:
- Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 knitwear is intended to be used at the first symptoms.
- If the varicose veins are moderate, you should wear a 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 to 46 mm Hg. Art.
- Patients with deep vein thrombosis need a class 4 jersey (more than 46 mmHg).
If necessary, a phlebologist will help you choose the appropriate type of medical underwear.It is also important to familiarize yourself in advance with the operating conditions of knitting.
The benefits of ointments and creams against varicose veins
The therapeutic value of these drugs is determined by the substances they contain.Therefore, before using any external remedy, 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 components.
Some phlebologists confidently assert 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.Wearing therapeutic knitwear will notably reduce the risk of vascular deformation.
Staying in a static position for a long time significantly worsens the situation, so you need to take regular breaks to do simple exercises.
This recommendation is especially relevant for office workers who are forced to sit at a computer most of the day.
The list of mandatory rules:
- stop smoking;
- revision of the nutritional regime;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum preservation of a calm state.
A contrasting sprinkling of the legs will be useful.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 at the initial stage, regular examinations will help detect problems with blood vessels in time.
Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can also have 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.