Why do men have varicose veins?

Varicose veins in men are as widespread as in women.Deformation of the venous walls and disruption of blood flow occurs for various reasons, for example, blood vessels suffer due to increased physical activity and 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, 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 the influence of certain negative factors is ignored, men's health will be seriously affected.In particular, varicose veins can arise 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 nodes appear to the naked eye.

Among the causes of varicose veins in men are:

• genetic predisposition (a person can inherit weakness of the walls of blood vessels or insufficiency of venous valves);
• hard physical work;
• prolonged use of shoes that cause foot discomfort;
• overweight;
• absence or low level of physical activity;
• junk food abuse;
• nicotine/alcohol addiction;
• increased blood viscosity;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• liver pathologies.

The most common causes of vein deformation are obesity and lifting heavy objects.When extra kilos appear, the vessels are compressed even more and, consequently, the risk of the appearance 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 where in the body the disease appears.For example, with rapid weight loss or 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 of age who have to face this pathology is 10-20%.This is explained by the peculiarities of the functioning of the hormonal system.

The state of the blood vessels of the female body largely depends on the level of estrogen and progesterone.

With greater secretion of one of the hormones:

• blood vessels dilate;
• increases blood viscosity;
• increases the risk of thrombosis.

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 decreases sharply, 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 affected simultaneously.

Accordingly, 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 processes mentioned above.In addition, men have thicker skin, which often does not allow the vascular pattern characteristic of incipient varicose veins to be noticed.

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:

1. The initial phase is characterized by the presence of symptoms that the patient perceives as a consequence 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 such changes.
2. Moving into 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 and dermatological disorders in the form of skin rashes and itching.Painful sensations occur both during movement and during rest.
3. Varicose veins in the later 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 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 experience signs of varicose veins:

• in the hands;
• testicles (the so-called varicocele, which occurs in both testicles and one);
• internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
• lower part of rectum;
• in 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 the progression of the disease is fraught with loss of the ability to work.

Varicocele is a pathology that develops only in men and presents symptoms similar to many other urological disorders:

• pain that increases with movement and during sexual intercourse;
• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

Varicose veins of the esophagus cause heartburn, difficulty breathing, 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 the 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 nodes).

Protruding veins in the abdominal area do not always indicate varicose veins.It will arise only for certain reasons.For example, this type of disorder occurs with addiction to alcohol and nicotine.In smokers and alcoholics, the blood is more viscous and the blood vessels and muscles weaken, which increases the risk of varicose veins in the abdomen in men.

Any type of disease requires the 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 appear.

Depending on their location, varicose veins can cause:

• thrombophlebitis, which increases the likelihood of the patient's death;
• venous ulcers;
• hemorrhages due to rupture of blood vessels;
• sterility;
• mesenteric thrombosis;
• purulent paraproctitis;
• tissue necrosis.

By allowing the disease to progress significantly, the man risks becoming disabled.In severe cases, death cannot be ruled out.

Drug therapy

In the early stages, treatment is carried out with drugs from 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 drugs and doses 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 recovery, but it should be remembered 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 way:

1. 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 a day.
2. Twice a day it is advisable to eat mumiyo (150 mg) diluted in warm water (1 tablespoon).
3. At night, it is recommended to apply sliced green tomatoes to swollen veins.The duration of treatment is about six months.
4. Raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) are crushed, and then the mixture is applied to the sore areas of the legs.A plastic film is used on top.Wash after 4 hours.
5. Horse chestnut inflorescences (50 g) are poured with vodka (1 liter) and infused for a week.The product must be shaken periodically.Dosage – 3 times a day before meals, 30 ml.A course lasts 7 days with a 5-day break.
6. 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 to 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.Success in 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 with the help of:

• microstripping (node excision);
• burn venous nodular 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 complete recovery.

diet food

The food consumed by the patient is of great importance.

In order for ships to remain in normal conditions longer, the menu must include products containing:

• ascorbic acid (reduces swelling, strengthens vascular walls);
• vegetable fibers (useful for proper 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 anticoagulant 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 will be able to forget about venous problems for a long time.

Compression garments

The use of therapeutic knitwear is an opportunity to prevent the new formation of varicose veins after surgery.In addition, underwear with compressive properties makes it possible to slow down the onset of the disease or completely prevent its development.

Similar products are presented in the form of pantyhose, stockings, knee-high socks and differ in the degree of compression:

1. Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 knitwear is intended to be worn at the first symptoms.
2. If varicose veins are moderate, a class 2 compression shirt (up to 32 mm Hg) should be used.
3. In the presence of trophic disorders, it is recommended to use class 3 products with compression of 34-46 mm Hg.Art.
4. Patients with deep vein thrombosis need a class 4 T-shirt (over 46 mmHg).

If necessary, a phlebologist will help you choose the right 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 these drugs is determined by the substances they contain.Therefore, before using an external remedy, it is advisable to 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 disappear;
• blood vessels become stronger;
• small blood clots dissolve;
• the skin is hydrated;
• Increases muscle and vascular tone.

The use of the cream is prohibited in patients with:

• trophic ulcers, open skin lesions;
• individual intolerance to components.

Some phlebologists say with confidence 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, the use of therapeutic knitwear will help reduce the risk of vascular deformation.

Staying in a static position for a long time significantly aggravates the situation, so it is necessary to take regular breaks and perform 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:

• quit smoking;
• nutritional diet review;
• frequent walks in the fresh air;
• moderate physical activity;
• Maximum preservation of a state of calm.

Spraying the legs with contrast will be helpful.If you have extra kilos, you should consult with a qualified specialist so that weight normalization can be carried out using competent methods.

Since the disease is difficult to detect at the initial stage, regular examinations will help to detect blood vessel problems in time.

Although varicose veins are less common in men, they can also have dire consequences if existing symptoms are ignored.Prevention will help avoid the development of pathology, and surgical intervention will be required to eliminate a progressive disorder.