Why do men get varicose veins?

Varicose veins are as common in men as in women.There are many causes of deformation of vein walls and disruption of blood flow, such as damage to blood vessels due to increased physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle.Varicose veins in men can lead to complications if left untreated for a long time, reaffirming the need for timely preventive medical check-ups.The use of medications, special underwear and surgery are the main methods of combating the pathology.

Causes of varicose veins in men

Doctors constantly remind patients: If the influence of certain negative factors is ignored, men's health will be seriously damaged.In particular, varicose veins can appear due to problems with blood vessels, which is the answer to the question of whether a disease like varicose veins occurs in men.

Phlebologists explain in detail why the walls of blood vessels become thinner and knots in veins become visible to the naked eye in the stronger half of the human race.

Causes of varicose veins in men include:

• genetic predisposition (a person may inherit weak blood vessel walls or incompetent venous valves);
• Heavy physical labor;
• Wearing shoes for a long time causes foot discomfort;
• overweight;
• Lack of physical activity or low levels of physical activity;
• Junk food abuse;
• Nicotine/alcohol addiction;
• Increased blood viscosity;
• cardiovascular disease;
• Liver pathology.

The most common causes of vein deformation are obesity and heavy lifting.When you gain weight, your blood vessels become more compressed, and your risk of varicose veins increases significantly.The same applies to excessive physical activity, especially enthusiasm for strength sports.

Identifying triggers depends on where in the body the disease appears.For example, varicose veins may develop in the chest or abdomen due to rapid weight loss or due to genetics.

The difference between female and male varicose veins

According to statistics, the phenomenon of blood stasis in the veins and subsequent development of varicose veins is more common in women (accounting for about 40% of cases).

The condition affects 10-20% of male patients over 18 years of age.This is explained by the peculiarities of the function of the hormonal system.

The condition of blood vessels in a woman's body depends largely on the levels of estrogen and progesterone.

With increased secretion of one of these hormones:

• dilation of blood vessels;
• Increased blood viscosity;
• Increased risk of thrombosis.

Hormonal changes particularly affect blood vessels during pregnancy and menopause.With the cyclic changes in the phases of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of progesterone first increases and then decreases sharply, followed by an increase in the amount of estrogen.Additionally, many women undergo hormone replacement therapy.

In almost 90% of cases, the occurrence of varicose veins in women is related to pregnancy and childbirth, and the veins of the lower limbs and pelvic organs can be affected at the same time.

Therefore, the main reasons why men are less susceptible to varicose veins are as follows: The blood vessels in women are weaker due to the above process.Additionally, men have thicker skin, which often does not make the vascular pattern characteristic of incipient varicose veins noticeable.

Pathological extent and symptoms

The development of clinical manifestations depends on the stage of the disease and the location of the problem area.For example, as the pathological disease progresses, the symptoms of varicose veins in men's lower limbs will intensify.

The disease develops as follows:

1. The initial stage is characterized by symptoms that the patient sees as the consequences of overexertion - heaviness, fatigue, swelling in the legs.There may be dilated veins in the popliteal or ankle area.Night rest contributes to the disappearance (full/partial) of the listed symptoms, so men do not pay too much attention to such changes.
2. When entering the second stage, symptoms become more severe.This condition is accompanied by clearer identification of blood vessels, thinning of the skin, the appearance of dark brown spots, swelling, nighttime cramps, and dermatosis in the form of rashes and itching.Pain occurs during exercise and at rest.
3. The final stages of varicose veins in men are also accompanied by nutritional complications - ulcers, inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer, venous lymphedema.

Deformation of blood vessels can be seen anywhere in the body, and as the disease progresses, they swell and take on a curved shape.

Types of varicose veins in men

This disease affects more than just the veins in the lower limbs.

People with a strong sexual desire may experience symptoms of varicose veins:

• in hand;
• testicles (so-called varicocele, which occurs in both testicles and one testicle);
• Internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines);
• lower rectum;
• On the nose (rare localization).

When the blood vessels in the arms begin to deform, most men, especially athletes, ignore the changes taking place.However, swelling of the veins that occurs with minimal stress should be cause for concern, as progression of the disease can lead to incapacity to work.

Varicocele is a pathology that occurs only in men and its symptoms are similar to many other urological diseases:

• Pain that worsens with movement and sex;
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

Esophageal varices can cause heartburn, shortness of breath, pain, and anemia.If there is a disease in the stomach or intestines, symptoms will be noticed later when the patient has internal bleeding.

Due to deformation of the blood vessels in the lower rectum (hemorrhoids), men experience many unpleasant symptoms (constipation, rectal bleeding, pain and discomfort, prolapsed lymph nodes).

Protruding veins in the abdomen do not always indicate varicose veins.It only appears for certain reasons.For example, this disease is caused by addiction to alcohol and nicotine.Smokers and alcoholics have thicker blood and weakened blood vessels and muscles, which increases a man's risk of abdominal varicose veins.

Any type of disease requires timely completion of the treatment process.

Why are varicose veins dangerous for men?

If the pathology is ignored, in addition to obvious symptoms, various complications may occur.

Depending on their location, varicose veins may cause:

• Thrombophlebitis, which increases the patient's likelihood of death;
• Venous ulcers;
• Bleeding due to ruptured blood vessels;
• infertility;
• Mesenteric thrombosis;
• Purulent paraproctitis;
• Tissue necrosis.

Men are at risk of becoming disabled if the disease is allowed to progress significantly.In severe cases, the possibility of death cannot be ruled out.

drug treatment

In the early stages, different classes of drugs are used for treatment.

Patients are prescribed:

• Venous tone, which strengthens blood vessels and increases their tone;
• Anticoagulants that reduce blood thickness;
• Antioxidants that improve blood structural parameters;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Use thrombolytic agents when blood clots are present;
• Drugs that normalize metabolic processes;
• Vitamin complex.

The list of medications and dose selection should take into account the predisposing factors, the patient's age category, and the type of disease.Therefore, before treatment, perform a thorough diagnosis using laboratory and instrumental research methods.

Traditional medicine helps

Home remedies will help speed recovery, but it's worth remembering that they complement medical treatment.It is best prevented using traditional medicine formulas.

You can fight varicose veins by:

1. Pour boiling water (1 cup) over hazel leaves (1 tablespoon).After 15 minutes, the infusion is ready for use.It is recommended to drink 3-4 cups a day.
2. Take mumiyo (150 mg) diluted in warm water (1 tablespoon) twice daily.
3. In the evening, it is recommended to apply sliced green tomatoes to swollen veins.The duration of treatment is approximately six months.
4. Crush raw potato tubers (4-5 pieces) and apply the mixture on the sore areas of the legs.Use plastic film on top.Wash off after 4 hours.
5. Pour horse chestnut inflorescences (50 g) into vodka (1 liter) and let soak for a week.The product must be shaken regularly.Usage and dosage: 3 times a day, before meals, 30 ml each time.A course lasts 7 days with a 5-day break.
6. Mix grated garlic (250 g) and honey (350 g).After one week of infusion, take the dose of 15 grams for 1-2 months.

Traditional treatments are effective for initial symptoms.If the condition is significantly advanced, it's useless.

surgical intervention

According to phlebologists, the only way to get rid of varicose veins is surgery.True, its implementation does not guarantee against future relapse.The success of male varicose vein treatment depends largely on the actions of the doctor, but rather on the behavior of the patient himself.

Modern surgeons solve this problem by:

• Microstriping (node removal);
• Use steam to burn away venous nodules;
• Sclerotherapy (foam, radiofrequency, laser).

One positive aspect of using a surgical approach is that the procedure usually does not require the patient to be hospitalized.Before discharge, doctors must outline a list of recommendations that must be followed to fully recover.

diet food

The food consumed by the patient is very important.

To keep the container in good condition longer, the menu should include products that include:

• Ascorbic acid (reduces swelling and strengthens blood vessel walls);
• Vegetable fiber (good for good intestinal function);
• Substances that improve blood vessel elasticity (rich in seafood).

To prevent blood clots, it is recommended to consume blood-thinning products (flaxseed oil, fish oil, garlic, citrus fruits, oatmeal).

It is recommended to avoid eating foods that are harmful to the body.Thanks to a well-designed diet, you can forget about vein problems for a long time.

compression garment

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 prevent its progression altogether.

Similar products come in the form of pantyhose, stockings, and knee-high socks. The difference between them is the degree of compression:

1. Prophylactic underwear (pressure indicator – 18-22 mm Hg).Class 1 knitwear is intended for use when symptoms first appear.
2. If your varicose veins are moderate, you should wear a compression level 2 sweatshirt (up to 32 mmHg).
3. If nutritional disorders are present, a Level 3 product with a pressure of 34-46 mm Hg is recommended.Art.
4. Patients with deep vein thrombosis require a Level 4 jersey (more than 46 mm Hg).

If necessary, a phlebologist will help select the appropriate type of medical bra.It is also important to first become familiar with the operating conditions for knitwear.

Benefits of Ointments and Creams to Treat Varicose Veins

The therapeutic value of such drugs depends on the substances they contain.Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using topical medications.

For maximum effectiveness, it is best to apply the ointment when the condition first appears.

Thanks to them:

• Fatigue, pain, discomfort, and swelling disappear;
• Blood vessels become stronger;
• Dissolution of small blood clots;
• Moisturizes skin;
• Increased muscle and blood vessel tone.

Patients with the following conditions are prohibited from using this cream:

• Nutritional ulcers, open skin lesions;
• Personal intolerances to ingredients.

Some phlebologists confidently say that topical medications are absolutely useless for varicose veins.They claim that if the vein is elongated, the condition can only be corrected through surgery.

prevention

If men are prone to varicose veins, they should pay more attention to preventive measures.In particular, wearing therapeutic knitwear will help reduce the risk of blood vessel deformation.

Remaining in a static position for long periods of time can significantly worsen the condition, so you need to take regular breaks and perform simple exercises.

This advice is especially important for office workers who are forced to sit in front of a computer almost all day long.

List of mandatory rules:

• quit smoking;
• review of nutritious diet;
• Take frequent walks in the fresh air;
• moderate physical activity;
• Maintain a state of calm as much as possible.

A contrast soak of the legs can be helpful.If you are gaining weight, you should consult a qualified specialist to use effective methods for weight normalization.

Since the disease is difficult to detect in its early stages, regular check-ups can help detect vascular problems in time.

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