Varicose veins are just as common in men as they are in women.Deformation of the vein walls and disruption of blood flow can have various causes, for example, blood vessels suffer due to increased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle.If left untreated for a long period of time, varicose veins in men can lead to complications, which once again confirms the need for timely preventive examination.The use of medications, wearing 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 certain 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 nodules appear visible to the eye.
The causes of varicose veins in men include:
- genetic predisposition (a person may inherit weakness of blood vessel walls or insufficiency of venous valves);
- heavy physical work;
- prolonged wearing of shoes that cause discomfort in the feet;
- obesity;
- absence or low physical activity;
- abuse of junk food;
- 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, accordingly, the risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, especially a passion for weight training.
Determining the triggering factors depends on which part of the body the disease occurs in.For example, rapid weight loss or hereditary causes can cause varicose veins to appear on the chest or stomach.
Differences between female and male varicose veins
According to statistics, stagnation of blood in the veins with the subsequent development of varicose veins occurs more often in women (about 40% of cases).
The number of male patients over 18 years old struggling with this pathology is 10-20%.This is explained by the peculiarities of the functioning of the hormonal system.
The condition of the blood vessels in the female body largely depends on the levels 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 affect blood vessels, particularly during pregnancy and menopause.With cyclical 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 appearance of varicose veins in women is associated with pregnancy and childbirth, at the same time the veins of the lower extremities and pelvic organs can be affected.
The main reason why men suffer from varicose veins less often is the following: in the female body, the vessels are weaker due to the processes mentioned above.In addition, men have thicker skin, which means that the vascular pattern characteristic of early varicose veins is often impossible to recognize.
Degrees and symptoms of pathology
The emergence of clinical manifestations is determined by the stage of the disease and the location of problem areas.For example, the signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities in men increase as the disease progresses.
The disease progresses as follows:
- The initial phase is characterized by the presence of symptoms that the patient perceives as the consequences of overload - heaviness in the legs, fatigue, swelling.Enlarged veins in the back of the knee or ankle area may occur.Night rest contributes to the (complete/partial) disappearance of the listed symptoms, which is why men do not pay much attention to such changes.
- As the disease progresses to stage 2, symptoms become more severe.The condition is accompanied by a clearer recognition 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 at rest.
- End-stage varicose veins in men are complemented by trophic complications – ulcers, inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer, lymphedema of venous origin.
Regardless of which part of the body the deformation of the vessels occurs, as the disease progresses, they swell and take on a tortuous shape.
Types of male varicose veins
The disease can affect not only the veins of the lower extremities.
Signs of varicose veins appear in representatives of the stronger sex:
- on the hands;
- testicles (the so-called varicocele, which occurs in both testicles and 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, especially athletes, ignore the changes that occur.However, swollen veins with minimal stress should be alarming, as progression of the disease is associated with loss of ability to work.
Varicocele is a pathology that occurs only in men and has symptoms similar to many other urological diseases:
- pain that increases with exercise and sex;
- a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Varicose veins of the esophagus lead to heartburn, shortness of breath, pain and anemia.If there is a disease of the stomach or intestines, the signs are only recognized 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 bleeding, painful discomfort, prolapse of the node).
Protruding veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.It will only arise for certain reasons.Such a disorder occurs, for example, in alcohol and nicotine addiction.In smokers and alcohol addicts, the blood is more viscous and the blood vessels and muscles become weaker, 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 can also occur.
Depending on the location, varicose veins can lead to:
- thrombophlebitis, which increases the likelihood of the patient's death;
- venous ulcers;
- bleeding due to rupture of blood vessels;
- Infertility;
- mesenteric thrombosis;
- purulent paraproctitis;
- tissue necrosis.
If the disease is allowed to progress significantly, the man will be at risk of disability.In severe cases, death cannot be ruled out.
Drug therapy
In the early stages, treatment is carried out with medications from different groups.
Patients are prescribed the use of:
- phlebotonics that strengthen blood vessels and increase their tone;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood thickness;
- antioxidants that improve structural blood parameters;
- nonsteroidal 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 the provoking factors, the patient's age category and the type of disease.Therefore, before treatment, a thorough diagnosis is carried out using laboratory and instrumental research methods.
Help from conventional medicine
Home remedies help speed up recovery, but it should be borne in mind that they are an addition to drug therapy.For prevention, it is best to use traditional medicine recipes.
This is how you can combat varicose veins:
- Pour boiling water (1 glass) over hazelnut leaves (1 tablespoon).After 15 minutes the infusion is ready to 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 sliced green tomatoes to the swollen veins.The duration of treatment is approximately six months.
- Raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) are crushed and then applied to the sore spots on the legs.Plastic film is used at the 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 regularly.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-long infusion, the drug is taken in doses of 15 g for 1-2 months.
When symptoms first appear, traditional therapy is effective.If the disease progresses significantly, it is useless.
Surgical intervention
According to phlebologists, the only way to get rid of varicose veins is surgery.Implementation does not guarantee that relapses will not occur in the future.The success of treating varicose veins in men depends less on the actions of doctors and more on the behavioral habits of the patients themselves.
Modern surgeons eliminate the problem with the help of:
- Microstripping (removal of knots);
- Burning out venous nodal formations with steam;
- Sclerotherapy (foam, radiofrequency, laser).
A positive aspect of the use of 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 that contain:
- ascorbic acid (relieves swelling, strengthens the 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 (linseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oatmeal).
It is advisable to avoid foods that are harmful to the body.Thanks to a well-balanced diet, you can forget about venous problems for a long time.
Compression clothing
Wearing therapeutic knitwear is one way to prevent new varicose veins from forming after surgery.In addition, underwear with compression properties allows you to slow down the onset of the disease or completely prevent its development.
Similar products are presented in the form of tights, stockings and 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 you have moderate varicose veins, you should wear jerseys with compression class 2 (up to 32 mm Hg).
- In case 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 (above 46 mmHg).
If necessary, a phlebologist will help choose the right 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, you should consult a doctor before using any topical remedy.
To achieve the maximum effect, it is better to use ointments at the first manifestations of the disease.
Many thanks to them:
- Fatigue, painful discomfort and swelling disappear;
- 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 helps reduce the risk of vascular deformation.
Remaining in a static position for a long time significantly aggravates the situation, so you need to take regular breaks with simple exercises.
The recommendation is particularly relevant for office workers who have to sit at the computer almost all day.
The list of binding rules:
- stop smoking;
- nutritional review;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- moderate physical activity;
- maximum maintenance of a calm state.
Contrasting pouring over 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 in the early stages, regular examinations help to identify problems with blood vessels in a timely manner.
Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can also have serious consequences if the existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention helps to avoid the development of pathology, and surgical intervention is necessary to eliminate a progressive disorder.