«They were four years of uncertainty. From a lot of pain, from not having quality of life… The greatest relief was when they diagnosed me that I had pelvic varicose veins and that they could treat them. The person who speaks this way is Carmen Jiménez (not her real name), who describes her transformation after the treatment: «It’s as if she had been reborn. For years I lived with disabling pain that affected my daily life, but after the intervention I have regained my energy and happiness.”
Varicose veins are one of the most common conditions of the circulatory system, with an incidence that reaches up to 50% of adults, especially in hot weather.
He Dr. Pablo Gallo González, from the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of the Ruber Internacional Hospital of Quirónsalud explains the ailment: «They are venous dilations that occur when the circulatory system fails to correctly return blood to the heart. This generates symptoms such as heaviness, heat, swelling, itching and, in many cases, a significant aesthetic impact.”
Pelvic varicose veins and varicocele
Although they are more common in the legs, there are also lesser-known cases, such as pelvic varicose veins. This condition mostly affects women and is related to hormonal factors and multiple pregnancies. The Dr. Elena Carrillo de Albornoz, from the Gynecology Service from the same hospital, highlights: “80% of pregnant women present some form of venous dilation due to the weight of the pregnancy, which makes return circulation difficult.” These varicose veins not only cause discomfort and pain, but, without adequate treatment, they can lead to serious complications such as thrombosis or even pulmonary thromboembolism.
In men, varicocele, a specific form of testicular varicose vein, is observed. This problem affects up to 15% of men in general and 40% of those with infertility. The Dr. Patricia Ramírez Rodríguez-Bermejoa specialist in Urology, explains that “varicocele generates symptoms such as pressure, a feeling of heaviness and, in advanced cases, a decrease in testicular size that can lead to infertility if not treated properly.”
Early diagnosis is essential to address these conditions effectively. The echodopler is the main tool to evaluate the condition of the veins and locate the origin of the problem. In more complex cases, such as pelvic varicose veins, advanced studies are used, such as pelvic phlebography.
He Dr. Santiago Zubicoa Ezpeletaa specialist in Interventional Radiology, points out that “diagnostic confirmation allows endovascular treatments to be undertaken which, thanks to their minimally invasive nature, offer effective results with a faster recovery.”
Advances in treatments
The treatments available have advanced significantly in recent years. From hygienic-dietary measures, such as the use of elastic stockings and the administration of venotonics, to endovascular procedures such as embolization, specialists seek to personalize each intervention according to the patient’s needs.
He Dr. Gallo explains that “current treatments allow varicose veins to be addressed without the need to remove the veins, as was done in the past. In the case of pelvic varicose veins, embolization is performed using specially designed devices that are implanted with a catheter from a vein in the arm.
Prevention also plays a key role in reducing the risks associated with varicose veins. Specialists recommend maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise such as walking or swimming, and avoiding spending many hours standing or sitting. “It is important to educate patients about the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent and manage this disease,” concludes Dr. Gallo.
Varicose veins not only affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them, but they can also have serious medical implications if not treated in time. For this reason, specialists insist on the importance of consulting a doctor at the first symptoms and following recommendations to avoid future complications.
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